NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A Manhattan state senator has introduced legislation aimed at closing a “loophole” that has allowed Joe Rogan and other “out-of-town anti-vaxxers” to skirt New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
State Sen. Brad Hoylman on Tuesday proposed the “Fairly Applying Individual Requirements Vaccine Mandates Act,” a bill that would require non-New York City residents to show proof of vaccination to attend an entertainment or sporting event in the five boroughs.
The city’s current guidance requires performers, athletes and others to prove they are vaccinated if they are entering an indoor entertainment venue, but “only if they are residents of New York City or are regularly employed by the establishment,” Hoylman said in a press release.
“If New Yorkers attend an entertainment or sporting event, they must provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine,” Hoylman said in a statement. “But New York City grants special privileges to out-of-town anti-vaxxers like Joe Rogan and NBA star Bradley Beal.”
Controversial podcaster Joe Rogan, who tested positive for COVID-19 last month and has “shared many anti-vaccine sentiments on his podcast,” performed at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, the release noted.
“This exemption for out-of-town performers has no policy rationale, creates confusion about local vaccine requirements, and reduces the public’s confidence in New York City’s efforts to increase vaccination rates,” the release said.
In an interview with WCBS 880, Hoylman called the current rule "wrong and frankly... dangerous."
"It's dangerous to everyone who works at MSG, it's dangerous to the fans and other performers," Hoylman said. "We need one standard for everyone, whether you're visiting, whether you're a celebrity or famous, or whether you're a New Yorker who's just trying to do the right thing."
Mayor Bill de Blasio said last week that he does not see it as a loophole, claiming someone coming through briefly is a different reality.
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