New York City will soon require evidence of the COVID-19 vaccine for meals, fitness and indoor entertainment, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday.
The first technique in the country, called “Key to NYC Pass,” will be applied to consumers in those indoor spaces, he said.
“The key to New York. When you hear those words, I need you to create the concept that because someone is vaccinated, they can do all the amazing things you can have in New York,” de Blasio said at a news conference. . . ” It’s a miraculous place, literally full of wonders, and if you’re vaccinated, everything will open up to you. You’ll have the key, you can open the door. “
“But if he’s not vaccinated, unfortunately he won’t be able to participate in a lot of things,” the mayor said.
“It’s time for other people to see vaccination as literally living a good, complete and healthy life,” he added.
The news comes as the delta variant of COVID-19 is driving the buildup of infections and New York health officials are taking precautions in the face of another outbreak.
At the beginning of the pandemic, New York City was an epicenter of the disease, with hospital beds battered and doctors and nurses running out of life-saving ventilators. urge citizens to get vaccinated, they enforce a questionable court order to mask.
Lately, the city has a 66% vaccination rate for adults. De Blasio told CBS This Morning that he hopes the new term will inspire more New Yorkers to get vaccinated and freely all the city has to offer.
“I need other people to get vaccinated to feel like they can live their lives to the fullest, have freedom. The praise of vaccination is freedom. If you don’t get vaccinated, stay out,” he said.
The policy will be implemented gradually over the coming weeks. Vaccinations are not mandatory for dining out, but those who wish to attend indoor venues and occasions should download the city app or carry their paper vaccination card with them. will be announced and implemented the week of August 16.
De Blasio told CBS This Morning that the city would work with businesses in the coming weeks to inform them of the new needs before they are fully implemented in mid-September.
“We’re going to put this into effect in the coming weeks and teach businesses how to find what they want to make it work. It works for everyone. Many business owners have told me” Thank you, this makes it less difficult for us, we can tell everyone, it is a standard “Array . . . We’re offering them smart coverage,” de Blasio said.
The announcement will also have implications for tourists. De Blasio said he believed the new requirement would have no effect on tourism in the city, which has noticed an increase in recent months.
“Tourists, other people who come here, are more likely to also be vaccinated, from all our studios. Look, at the end of the day, it promises the protection of all involved, and it’s also going to inspire many. “other people to take the next step,” he said.
Mark Levine, who chairs the city council’s fitness committee, called it a “critical move” to slow the spread of the Delta variant and inspire vaccination.
New York City also calls for all city workers to be vaccinated before the school year begins on Sept. 13 or to undergo weekly testing, and all new workers must provide evidence of vaccination.
“Not everyone will agree with this, I understand. But for so many other people, it’s going to save lives, we’re putting in place a mandate that’s going to ensure a much higher point of vaccination in this city,” de Blasio said. said Tuesday. ” And that’s the key to protecting other people and the key to our recovery. “