ToplineNew York Mayor Bill de Blasio's call for mandatory vaccines has been heeded by the tony Equinox Group. This parent company of Equinox and SoulCycle, will require all employees, guests, and members to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus beginning next month in New York and continuing to its global markets.All Equinox and SoulCycle participants will need to present proof of vaccination. Getty Images for FIJI waterThe Key FactsEquinox required that everyone who entered any Equinox gym, studio, or corporate office must present one-time proof they have been immunized. This will be in New York City where Equinox is headquartered, which is the largest city, and plans to expand the policy to other markets. Equinox stated that the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cards, photos of the CDC card, and digital passports such as the Excelsior Pass, are acceptable forms of proof. Equinox's internal survey found that 96% of respondents and 89% of employees were already vaccinated. The group also stated that a majority supported a mandate for vaccines. Equinox Group will accommodate members, guests, and employees on a religious or medical basis.Important BackgroundEquinox, a celebrity-loved chain of luxury fitness clubs, was founded in 1991. There are 36 locations in New York City alone. Monthly fees for the top-tier membership can reach $500. Equinox purchased a majority share in SoulCycle in 2011, a chain that operates boutique stationary bike studios. The number of locations grew to 99 last year. This is the latest company to announce mandatory vaccines for staff and guests. It follows the example of Danny Meyer, a New York restaurateur, and bars and restaurants in San Francisco. As coronavirus cases rise in certain areas of the country, many businesses are reviewing their vaccination and masking policies to prevent them from being closed down.TangentBusinesses are requiring their employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus more often. According to Crains New York Business, Durst Organization instructed employees that they had to be vaccinated before Labor Day if they want to keep their jobs. Employees at tech companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google have been told by the Durst Organization that they must get vaccinated when they return to work.Continue readingU.S. Reports Almost 200,000 Covid Cases in Worst Spike since January (Forbes).Target joins Walmart and these other businesses in requiring employees to mask up (Forbes).Disney joins a wave of companies that require employees to get vaccinated against covid (Forbes).
