NYC to Require Proof of Vaccination for Indoor Leisure Activities

New York City will require proof of vaccination for leisure indoor activities at restaurants, fitness centers and indoor entertainment venues. NYC becomes the first major city in the United States to introduce such requirements.

Mayor Bill de Blasio made the announcement at a Tuesday morning press conference. The city will introduce a program called “Key to NYC Pass,” which will be implemented mid-August. There will be a transition period first, before it will be fully enforced beginning the week of Sept. 13.

“If you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things,” de Blasio said. “If you want to participate in our society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated.”

About 70 percent of all adults in New York City have received at least one vaccine dose so far and 66 percent are fully vaccinated.

Join us live at City Hall for a major announcement on how New York City will lead the way in fighting back COVID and driving up vaccinations. https://t.co/MV5jan14NT

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 3, 2021