Those looking to dine, play, or work out indoors in New York will need to start showing proof that they are vaccinated for COVID-19.
The “Key to NYC Pass” will kick off on August 16th, with enforcement beginning September 13th. This will require every New Yorker and tourist to show proof of their vaccination status in order to enter establishments. Similar programs have been implemented in Italy and France.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the initiative on Tuesday, saying that it is necessary “to do something different” to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“This is crucial because we know it will encourage a lot more vaccinations,” de Blasio stated. “If we’re going to stop the delta variant, the time is now.”
More details are expected in the upcoming weeks in regards to those who are not vaccinated. It remains unclear if people without the vaccine will be denied entry altogether or if they will be forced to abide by strict guidelines within the facility.
The “Key to NYC Pass” program is the first of its kind in the United States. It is the latest measure rolled out by de Blasio. Last week, he announced that all City of New York employees would need to get a COVID-19 test weekly if they are unvaccinated. He also mandated that all new city employees provide proof of their vaccination prior to their first day of work. In addition, citizens are being offered $100 to receive the vaccine.
In New York City, about 70% of all adults have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine, and 66% are completely inoculated.
