Mayor de Blasio announced earlier this week that New York City will require proof of vaccination to enter all restaurants, fitness centers, and entertainment venues. In his announcement, the mayor also strongly advised individuals to to wear masks inside public facilities to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant.
Restaurant-goers will need to prove they’ve received at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine if eating indoors, beginning August 16.
“The goal here is to convince everyone that this is the time. If we’re going to stop the Delta variant, the time is now,” said de Blasio. “Right now, what we want to nail is people getting vaccinated, and, very bluntly, showing that life is much better when you’re vaccinated.”
During a separate news conference this week, President Joe Biden said he supported de Blasio’s plan and other cities need to follow suit.
The logistics of the plan are still being worked out, with such details being the requirements for children under 12, who are not yet eligible for the approved vaccines. According to the New York Times, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration aims to give full approval for the Pfizer COVID vaccine by early September.
As of now, guests can use the Excelsior Pass, a free smartphone app that allows residents to provide a scannable QR code for vaccine proof. A few other options include the NYC COVID Safe App, CDC Vax Card, and the NYC Vax Record.
Some restaurants are already requiring vaccination proof or negative COVID test results. Below is a list of restaurants that have some form of requirement.
Contact your Sam Tell sales rep to ensure you’re ready to handle an influx of indoor diners!