Last fall, I covered a story about boutique gyms struggling to stay in business during the pandemic. Many were changing their business models to focus on remote classes and personal training. Smaller New York City-based gyms were particularly upset by local laws that would allow larger facilities to open, but that placed what they claimed were undue burdens on them. New York City was hit hard early and officials are just trying to keep people safe. They are about to become the first major city in the US to require indoor facilities, including restaurants, gyms and movie theaters, to require customers to show proof of vaccination before entry. We’ve heard that Broadway will have similar requirements, which I guess will be superseded by whatever regulations go into effect later this month. Mayor de Blasio made the announcement yesterday and said they will talk to the business community in the interim. Enforcement of the laws is expected by mid-September.
On Tuesday, N.Y.C. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city will require proof of vaccination to gain access to an array of indoor spots, including restaurants, fitness centers and entertainment facilities, becoming the first major city in the United States to do so.
The move, which is intended to put pressure on people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, will affect both workers and customers who will have to prove that they have received at least one vaccine dose, according to The Washington Post. The new requirements take effect on Aug. 16.
“It’s time for people to see vaccination as literally necessary to living a good and full and healthy life,” de Blasio, 60, said during news conference, per The New York Times. “Not everyone is going to agree with this; I understand that.”
“But 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,” he added. “And that is the key to protecting people, and the key to our recovery.”
About 60% of New York City residents have received at least one vaccine dose, while over 10 million doses have been administered in the city as of Monday, as well, data shows.
According to the Times, de Blasio had been “reluctant” to move forward with an indoor mask mandate once more and instead wants to encourage New Yorkers to get vaccinated. “If you want to participate in our society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated,” he said. “It’s time…”
“The goal here is to convince everyone that this is the time,” de Blasio said. “If we’re going to stop the delta variant, the time is now.”
As part of the new ruling, N.Y.C. will also craft a health pass — deemed the “Key to N.Y.C. Pass” — which will provide proof of vaccination status that will be required of workers and other individuals, the Times reported.
I know laws in the US are largely state-based, but I wish this would go into effect nation wide. Italy and France implemented similar health passes and of course people bitched about it but vaccination rates increased. In Germany they’re requiring vaccinations for specific activities depending on local regulations. My ex lives in Berlin and had to show proof of vaccination to go to the movies. Limiting access to indoor facilities may be the only way we get some of these holdouts to get vaccinated. Make it mandatory for most jobs and for any indoor activities. Plus it will bring more business to these places. A lot of people who are staying home now due to the variants might go out again if it’s safer. Plus, and this is most important, less people will get sick and die. Kids under 12 can’t even get vaccinated now and some are getting very sick from this.
Get vaccinated at a City-run site and get $100!
And once you’re vaccinated, spend the money on dinner and a show. Starting September 13, you must be vaccinated to enjoy indoor dining or performances in NYC.
Get your shot: https://t.co/nZF9S7CCeK #NYCVaccineForAll pic.twitter.com/WKGGDW8oMn
— NYC Mayor’s Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) August 3, 2021
Soon you will not be able to go inside a restaurant, inside a gym, or inside a concert or performance in New York City without proof of a #COVID19 vaccine. Join us now for more info. https://t.co/oVKhBC3Ptr
— NYC Mayor’s Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) August 3, 2021
Photos credit: Avalon.Red and Clay Leconey, Andy and Yoav Aziz on Unsplash
