Spencer Platt/Getty Images New York City to mandate vaccines for indoor restaurants, gyms, performancesNEW YORK Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced Tuesday a new policy that requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination in order to eat at restaurants, exercise, go to a show, or dance.According to City Hall, the new program to unlock New York City begins this month. Enforcement is expected to begin in mid-September.De Blasio stated Tuesday that vaccinated people can enjoy all the great things New York City has to offer. You won't be able participate in many activities if you aren't vaccinated. This is a crucial step because it will encourage more vaccinations. This is important because it will encourage more vaccination.De Blasios' announcement is one of the most aggressive actions taken by an elected official in combating the rise in Covid-19-related cases. The mayor ordered that all city workers, including those working in hospitals, submit to a weekly Covid-19 testing. This was reported for the first time by POLITICO. New hires are subject to vaccination.Officials described the move only as a first step towards a larger vaccine requirement in the nation's largest city.According to a City Hall official, the mayor is now 100% on board and pushing for vaccine certification. The official requested anonymity in advance of the formal announcement. [De Blasio] would like it for all indoors, public and private, but has to scale up implementation and anticipates lots of resistance.According to the official, New York City is determined to lead the nation in this area.This policy is being developed at a time when de Blasio was criticised for not reintroducing mask-wearing mandates in light of a recent rise in cases. However, he insists that the city must be focused on vaccination. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a member of the City Council, and Mark Levine, a City Council Member, both called for a similar proposal as the one being implemented Tuesday.Levine, a fellow Democrat, praised the policy as a crucial move and said that it will provide a strong incentive for New Yorkers to get the vaccine.Half of New Yorkers are at least partially vaccinated. However, rates vary in Brooklyn and Staten Island, as well as among Black New Yorkers. According to city data, 35% of Black New Yorkers have been partially vaccinated compared to 76% of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders.According to the de Blasio administration, it had been in discussions with industry leaders to strengthen its policy and prevent any accusations of government overreach.According to City Hall, Equinox Group, which is the owner of its high-end chain of gyms, spin studio SoulCycle, and Blink gyms will adopt this policy in September. Equinox informed its members Monday of the policy changes. According to an email from the Equinox Group president and executive chair, Equinox stated that a majority of members supported the requirement of vaccines to gain access to our Clubs.Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, a restaurateur whose businesses included Gramercy Tavern, Shake Shack and Shake Shack was also an early adopter.With some caveats, the New York City Hospitality Alliance also supported the move.Andrew Rigie, the executive director of the trade association, stated that while it is difficult for the industry to mandate vaccines for employees at restaurants and customers who dine outdoors, it may prove to be a necessary step to protect public health. We stand ready to help the city with any requirements. This includes education, support, and extensive outreach.
