MANHATTAN – One day after two Upper East Side establishments instituted proof-of-vaccination to dine or drink indoors, Mayor de Blasio announced a first-of-its-kind in the nation policy requiring everyone to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination for most indoor activities— like dining, fitness and performances.
Mayor de Blasio announced Tuesday morning the city will also create a new ‘health pass’ to use as proof-of-vaccination called the “Key to NYC Pass,” in addition to the state’s Excelsior Pass and the vaccination card itself.
“You’ll have the key, you can open the door, but if you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately you will not be able to participate,” Mayor de Blasio announced.
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The proof-of-vaccination policy won’t begin until the week of August 16th— despite the rapidly spreading Delta variant now accounting for nearly three-quarters of coronavirus cases in NYC— with enforcement to begin in September 13th, around the start of the new school year.
“It will require vaccination for workers and customers in indoor dining, indoor fitness facilities and indoor entertainment facilities,” Mayor de Blasio said, emphasizing “this will be a requirement.”
Manhattan has the highest vaccination rate of the five boroughs, with more than two-thirds of residents— more than one million people— fully vaccinated. The rest of the city trails those numbers, bringing the total number of full vaccinations to just 55%, far below the estimated thresholds for herd immunity.
As the city ramps up its push to get everyone vaccinated, the program offering $100 to anyone who gets vaccinated has been a tremendous success, with over 11,000 New Yorkers claiming the cash since Friday, according to Mayor de Blasio.
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Here on the Upper East Side, it was Third Avenue Ale House, Ethyl’s Food and Alcohol and Brandy’s Piano Bar leading the way on Covid-19 safety— requiring proof-of-vaccination for indoor dining and drinks as of Monday.
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