New York City To Require Proof Of Vaccination For Indoor Public Spaces

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city will begin requiring proof of vaccination as of Aug. 16 to enter indoor public spaces such as restaurants, gyms and movie theaters.

This new rule will go into full enforcement beginning Sept. 13 to give business time to adjust to the new requirements. This announcement comes as an incentive for people to get vaccinated.

“When you hear those words, I want you to imagine the notion that, because someone’s vaccinated, they can do all the amazing things that are available in this city,” De Blasio said at a news conference.

There are a few ways De Blasio said people could prove they are vaccinated: by using the city’s newly released app called NYC Covid Safe, by the state’s Excelsior Pass or by showing the paper vaccination card or a copy of their official vaccination record.

For those who prefer the comfortability of their phones, the city and state app can be easily downloaded on the Apple or Android app stores.

The main difference between the Excelsior Pass and the COVID Safe app is that Excelsior checks against the state's immunization database while the city’s new app simply stores a picture of an individual’s vaccination card.

New York City Councilmember Mark D. Lavine explains in a tweet that Excelsior can reduce the likelihood of fraud but it will not work for those who got vaccinated out of state or whose name is off on their official record.

Lavine said it “doesn't communicate with any outside databases" like the Excelsior.

"This will allay some people's privacy fears -- especially for, say, undocumented immigrants,” Levine added.

The city has yet to announce how the proof of vaccination requirement will affect adults eligible for medical or religious exemptions.

As for children under 12 who are still not eligible to receive the vaccine, they can enter restaurants with vaccinated adults if they are masked, De Blasio said Wednesday.

“The only reason we’re having this recovery is vaccination,” De Blasio said. “So it’s time. And this [proof of vaccination] is going to send that message clearly."