Published
Wed, Aug 4, 2021, 18:50
- The new indoor mask mandate goes into effect August 16th.
New York City has just announced a city-wide indoor mask mandate, making it the first US city to require proof of vaccination for entry to indoor restaurants, entertainment venues and fitness centers.
The new restrictions will be implemented starting August 16th, when patrons will be asked to show proof of at least one vaccine dose with the state's digital vaccine passport, Excelsior Pass, or their physical vaccine card before they enter an indoor establishment. Some New York nightlife venues, such as Nowadays, Mood Ring, Elsewhere are already returning to previous Covid-19 policies which require proof of vaccination or negative PCR test prior to entry.
The mandate comes after France passed a contentious COVID-law last month that makes health passes mandatory for various indoor activities. As COVID cases rise in New York—where around 66 percent of the adult population are vaccinated—the restrictions are the city's latest bid to increase vaccination rates.
"This is a miraculous place literally full of wonders," Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a press conference. "If you're vaccinated, all that’s going to open up to you. But if you're unvaccinated, unfortunately you will not be able to participate in many things."
In other news on vaccine requirements in the US, the legendary Minneapolis venue First Avenue (and related venues such as 7th St Entry and the Palace Theatre) have recently announced they'll require proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of an event.