Restaurants and businesses in major cities across the U.S. are requiring customers to provide proof of vaccination before entering. Multiple cities are wrestling with their options as they attempt to quell the spread of Covid. New York City (NYC) took a drastic step this week in issuing a city-wide vaccination mandate for indoor activities. Here is what NYC did, what other cities are considering, and what it could mean for you.
NYC's Proof of Vaccination Announcement
On August 3rd, 2021, Mayor de Blasio announced that anyone interested in indoor dining, or any indoor activity (going to the gym, bars, entertainment venues, etc.), will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Workers, and presumably business owners, will be required to be vaccinated as well, with at least one dose.
De Blasio stated that this mandate, called the Key to NYC Pass, "will encourage a lot more vaccination," citing the increase in vaccination after their mandate for city workers. "If we're going to stop the delta variant, the time is now. That means getting vaccinated right now, "de Blasio went on to say.
This new policy will begin on August 16th, 2021. During the interim leading up to the new policy, NYC will continue to discuss this policy with the business community. City leaders hope to gain insight and input from businesses in the community before codifying the final requirements.
Between August 16th and September 13th, the city will embark on an educational campaign to make sure all businesses understand what the new mandate is. On September 13th, Mayor de Blasio explained that "inspections and enforcement" will begin. Mayor de Blasio did not clarify or expand on what "inspections and enforcement" will look like. Presumably, this will be announced shortly and may even involve fines if businesses do not comply.
How Will Customers Offer Proof of Vaccination?
To patronize indoor establishments, customers will need to present their physical vaccine verification card or a digital version on the NYC Covid Safe app or the state's Excelsior Pass. Currently, 60% of NYC residents have received at least one shot, but some boroughs hover around 50%. That means a lot of NYC residents will need to get vaccinated or forgo indoor activities.
Some New Yorkers are opposed to the mandate, stating that the vaccine should be voluntary and NYC should not act like a police state. Others agree with the mandate, saying that "voluntary didn't work." For travelers to NYC, their vaccination cards will be accepted as long as they are “accurate and real.”
Are Other Cities Requiring Proof of Vaccination?
Right now, the answer is no, but that may not last long. NYC is the first to adopt a city-wide vaccination mandate for indoor dining, but California Bay Area cities may be next. San Francisco and Berkeley are two cities where city officials are pushing to have a similar mandate.
San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney said, "I would not be surprised if you see a similar order come down for San Francisco or the Bay Area counties as soon as this week." Haney is one of the officials calling for a vaccination mandate in San Francisco. Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin stated that they are considering a vaccination mandate as well.
Mayor Michael Hancock of Denver recently passed a vaccine mandate for all city workers and private-sector workers in high-risk fields. Los Angeles is considering a vaccine mandate as well, even for "retail establishments," which would make it even stricter than New York City's mandate, should it pass.
A recent poll indicates that 64% of Americans are in favor of a vaccine mandate. While NYC remains the only one with a city-wide mandate, other cities may soon follow suit.
Are Businesses Requiring Proof of Vaccination?
Yes. Restaurants and businesses in cities across America are requiring proof of vaccination. Major cities including Los Angeles, Kansas City, Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, and numerous others, are requiring patrons to provide proof of vaccination.
Typically businesses want to see an official vaccine card or document, a photograph of the vaccine card or document, or digital proof of vaccination. Without some kind of physical or digital proof, customers must dine outside or will not be allowed to enter. As one business owner put it, “No shirt, no shoes, no vaccine, no entry."
How Do These Vaccination Requirements Affect You?
Depending on where you live, this may become the norm in your city. Even if it doesn't become a mandate in your location, it may be in a city you intend to visit. Large companies like Tyson and Microsoft are requiring vaccination for employees as well.
If you are vaccinated, it would be a good idea to keep proof of your vaccination handy. Make a copy of your vaccine card, take a picture with your phone, or have a digital version handy- if you have one. If you choose not to get vaccinated, be prepared to dine outside and the possibility that you may not be allowed inside particular establishments. Many businesses are requiring employees to be vaccinated and the list keeps growing, so those who are unvaccinated will need to take that into consideration.
Conclusion: Other Cities May Soon Require Proof of Vaccination
Businesses often lead change in their communities, and we're seeing businesses across the nation require proof of vaccination. New York City may be the first to issue such a decree, but it may not be the lone wolf for very long. Several other cities are considering adopting a similar mandate. If you are vaccinated, keep a copy of it handy when going out. If you are not vaccinated, there may be more limits on what you can do, depending on where you live.
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