NYC to Require Covid-19 Vaccines for Many Indoor Activities

Source: WSJ:

August 3, 2021 at 11:27

Move is an effort to increase number of people vaccinated against Covid-19, mayor says

New York City will require individuals to show proof of vaccination for indoor activities, such as dining, gyms and events, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday.

The new policy will be phased in the coming weeks and will be implemented Aug. 16. By the week of Sept. 13, the city will begin inspections and enforcement, the mayor said.

The move is an effort to increase the number of people vaccinated, he said. “That is the key to protecting people and the key to recovery.”

“The only way to patronize these establishments indoors will be if you’re vaccinated, at least one dose,” Mr. de Blasio said at a Tuesday morning press conference announcing the new rules.

The seven-day average number of confirmed and probable daily coronavirus cases is now over 1,200 in New York City, according to figures this week. That figure was less than 250 at the start of July and peaked at more than 6,400 in early January, according to city statistics.

While Covid-19 vaccinations are highly effective at preventing hospitalizations or death from the virus, they’re not foolproof in preventing infection. This poses problems for events like the Olympics and raises broader questions about immunity in the long term. Photo: David Crigger/Associated Press