NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for anyone wanting to dine indoors or work out in a gym on Tuesday.
The mandate “Key to NYC Pass,” will start in mid-August and will be phased to full effect by Sept. 13, according to NBC News. The program will also apply to other indoor activities like performances, according to the New York Times.
This is the first major city in the United States to impose such restrictions.
Join us live at City Hall for a major announcement on how New York City will lead the way in fighting back COVID and driving up vaccinations. https://t.co/MV5jan14NT
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 3, 2021
The policy requires people to show that they have had at least one dose of a vaccine. Vaccination cards will be accepted as proof of inoculation, according to The Associated Press.
In July, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that all state employees are required to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or to submit to weekly testing.
#BREAKING: New York State will mandate all state employees either be vaccinated or get tested regularly.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 28, 2021
We are working with the state unions to implement this program quickly & fairly. Will take effect by Labor Day.
On Monday Gov. Cuomo announced that employees of the city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will also be required to be vaccinated or to be tested weekly.
Beginning Labor Day, all @MTA employees & NY employees of the Port Authority will be required to either be vaccinated or get tested weekly.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) August 2, 2021
Amid the growing threat of the #DeltaVariant, this precaution will help ensure the health & safety of these dedicated workforces.
About 66% of adults in New York City are fully vaccinated, according to official data obtained by AP.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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