New York City to require vaccination proof for indoor activities
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New York City will require proof of vaccination to participate in indoor activities, including visiting gyms and restaurants, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday.
Why it matters: The mandate is the first of its kind for a major U.S. city, according to de Blasio. France and Italy announced similar requirements last month.
- Last month, de Blasio announced that all city workers would be required to get vaccinated or submit to weekly testing.
State of play: The mandate will move forward beginning the week of Aug. 16 and be fully enforced starting Sept. 13, when schools reopen and people start returning to in-person work.
- New York City will create a health pass called the "Key to NYC Pass" for New Yorkers to provide proof of vaccination for gyms, indoor dining, and indoor entertainment.
- De Blasio said the legal mechanisms for the mandate will be a mayoral executive order and a health commissioner's order.
What they're saying: "Not everyone is going to agree with this, I understand that," de Blasio said at a press conference. "But for so many people, this is going to be the life-saving act."
- "We know that this is what's going to turn the tide. And we also know that people are going to get a really clear message: if you want to participate in our society fully, you've got to get vaccinated. It's time," he continued.
- "All of the answers, all of the information is out there. You've seen over 160 million Americans get vaccinated safely. You've seen it make the difference. The only reason we're having a recovery is vaccination. So it's time."
The big picture: It's the most aggressive move yet that the city government has taken to increase vaccinations in New York. Residents have been able to choose from an array of incentives for getting inoculated, from getting free tickets to city attractions to $100 pre-paid credit cards.
By the numbers: Approximately 71% of adults in New York City have received one vaccine dose and 66% are fully vaccinated, according to government data.
