Starting in mid-August, New York City will require proof of vaccination for indoor dining, performances and gyms. The regulation, announced by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday, will effect both workers and customers as a way to pressure people to get vaccinated, according to The New York Times.
“It’s time for people to see vaccination as literally necessary to living a good and full and healthy life,” de Blasio said. For the New York City regulation, there will be a “transition period,” with enforcement to begin September 13.
De Blasio added: “For so many people, this is going to be a lifesaving act, that we are putting a mandate in place that is going to guarantee a much higher level of vaccination in this city. And that is the key to protecting people, and the key to our recovery.”
While it’s the first such program in the United States, France and Italy each passed a law that makes health passes mandatory for a number of indoor venues, also reported by The Times. In addition, other cities across the U.S. have reinstated mask mandates when indoors; New York, while not requiring this, is encouraging people to wear masks indoors. Separately, Broadway recently announced it would require vaccinations for all crew and attendees who are 12 and over.
As for the new program, New York City is creating a health pass, the “Key to NYC Pass,” as a way to provide proof of vaccination required for workers and customers at indoor dining, gyms, entertainment and performances. New York State already currently uses the Excelsior Pass, which is accepted at major venues, including sports arenas, across the state.
The United States had nearly 86,000 new cases on August 2, a 142 percent increase over the last 14 days. New York City is seeing 1,275 average new cases daily, a 135 percent increase over the last two weeks. According to NYC Health, over 60 percent of New Yorkers have received at least one vaccine dose, while 55 percent are fully vaccinated.
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