Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new policy Tuesday that requires people to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to dine inside restaurants, work out at a gym, attend a play or go out dancing.
According to City Hall, the new program to “unlock New York City” will begin this month, with enforcement set to start in mid-September.
“When someone is vaccinated, they can do all the amazing things in New York City,” de Blasio said Tuesday. “If you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things. … This is crucial, because we know this will encourage a lot more vaccination.”
De Blasio’s announcement marks one of the most aggressive steps an elected official takes to combat a rise in Covid-19 cases caused by the Delta variant. In late July, the mayor mandated that unvaccinated city hospital workers and clinical staff at the city health department submit to a weekly Covid-19 test. That city employment for new hires is contingent on vaccination.
The policy comes as de Blasio has faced criticism for not reinstating mask-wearing mandates amid a recent spike in cases, but he has insisted the city’s focus has to be on vaccination. On Monday, Rep. Adriano Espaillat and City Council Member Mark Levine, who chairs the health committee, called for a similar proposal to the one being rolled out Tuesday.
“Mandating vaccine requirements for restaurant and bar employees and customers to work and dine indoors is a very difficult step for the industry, but ultimately may prove an essential move, to protecting public health and ensuring that New York City does not revert back to restrictions and shut down orders,” said Andrew Rigie, executive director of the trade group. “Any requirements need to include extensive outreach, education, and support, and we stand ready to work with the city to keep workers and customers safe while keeping restaurants, bars, and clubs open with or without a vaccine requirement.”
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