The Biggest City In The Country Becomes First To Mandate Vaccines For Indoor Activities

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 06: People eat during the the official re-opening of Junior’s restaurant in Times Square, which had been closed during the pandemic on May 06, 2021 in New York City. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) attended the event at the iconic New York restaurant which is world famous for its cheesecake. New York City, like much of the nation, is quickly starting to re-open as more and more Americans receive the vaccination for Covid-19. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Want to eat inside a restaurant, see a show, or work out inside a gym? If you live in New York City you will soon only be able to participate in those activities (and others) IF you are vaccinated. Today New York City’s Mayor is expected to put the most aggressive vaccine mandate into place yet today. Tuesday morning, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced residents will now need “A Key To NYC pass” to enjoy indoor activities:

“This is a miraculous place literally full of wonders and if you’re vaccinated, all of that is going to open to you. You’ll have the key. You could open the door. But if you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things. That is the point we’re trying to get across. It is time for people to see vaccination as literally necessary to living a good and full and healthy life.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announces New York City will require proof of vaccination for indoor activities, including at restaurants, gyms and performances:

“The ‘Key to NYC’ pass will be a first-in-the-nation approach.” pic.twitter.com/DgmLrghJTc
— The Recount (@therecount) August 3, 2021

The New York Times reports:

The policy is similar to mandates issued in France and Italy last month and is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States.
The program will start later this month, and after a transition period enforcement will begin in mid-September, when schools are expected to reopen and more workers could return to offices in Manhattan.

This news comes as more businesses also announce vaccination requirements for employees and guests.

On Tuesday, Tyson Foods said it will require employees to get vaccinated. This follows announcements by Disney and Walmart mandating vaccines for certain employees.

There are also more businesses requiring customers to get vaccinated. CNBC reports, “Equinox Group said its gym members, SoulCycle riders and staff will be required to show proof of vaccination to enter its facilities beginning next month.”