PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia officials are instituting a vaccine requirement for any place where food or beverages are consumed indoors. That includes bars, restaurants, movie theaters and arenas.
The action is part of the city's response to rising numbers of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole and Mayor Jim Kenney on Monday announced the new rules. The mandate takes effect Jan. 3, starting with a two-week phase-in period, when patrons could show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours if they’re not fully vaccinated. However, by Jan. 17, only people showing proof of vaccination will be allowed indoors to eat or drink.
"If you have not completed your vaccination series, now is the time to start so you’ll be covered by the time this goes into effect. Best of all, you’ll be better protected against COVID-19, and you’ll be helping our city get closer to the end of this mess," Kenney said.
This mandate applies to the following settings that serve food, and where people have to remove their masks to eat and drink:
• Indoor restaurant spaces
• Cafes within larger spaces (like museums)
• Bars
• Sports venues that serve food or drink for onsite consumption
• Movie theaters
• Bowling alleys
• Other entertainment venues that serve food or drink for consumption on site.
• Conventions (if food is being served)
• Catering halls
• Casinos where food and drink is allowed on the floor
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The Philadelphia Eagles released a statement Monday saying that they expect Lincoln Financial Field to fare just fine with the heightened precautions.
"Several sports and entertainment venues throughout the country have already been operating successfully under similar restrictions for months, and we were prepared for this possibility. The necessary adjustments will be made, and Lincoln Financial Field will be in compliance with City policy for our final regular-season home game on Sunday, January 9," it read in part.
The home of the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers also said they should be able to implement the new mandate with little to no effect on fans.
“Throughout the pandemic, Wells Fargo Center has taken a leadership role in keeping our fans safe, and we’ve already hosted several events where proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test were required for all guests, so we’re well prepared to comply with the city’s new policy,” said Valerie Camillo, president of business operations for the Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center, in a statement.
“As an organization, we have strongly supported vaccination efforts, but we also know that we’re able to continue providing a safe environment for our guests by ensuring that everyone who enters the arena is either vaccinated or verifiably negative for COVID.”
The mandate applies to employees, as well as patrons. Exceptions include schools, hospitals and other institutional settings. And those who can’t get the vaccine — children under 5 and people with medical or religious exemptions — will have to show a negative COVID-19 test result.
The city can help residents get a new vaccination card if theirs is lost. Some venues are also exploring apps that will allow people to keep their vaccine information and identification in their phones.
City officials say they hope this has no negative impact on restaurants. They say it is a way to keep them open through the cold weather, when cases rise. New cases have doubled in the city since Thanksgiving, and hospitalizations are up 50%.
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The Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association says it "welcomes working closely with the City to ensure a safe dining experience ... and protect the industry from further financial devastation."
Other American cities, including New York, San Francisco and New Orleans, have required proof of vaccination since August.