NEW YORK — Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday announced that New Yorkers will now need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to enter indoor businesses including bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and gyms.
"The key to NYC pass" will launch on August 16 and will be enforced starting September 13, according to the mayor.
This is a marvelous place," de Blasio said. "If you're unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things and that's the point we're trying to get across."
The vaccine mandate will be required for both employees and customers and will not be needed for outdoor dining.
"It's time for people to see vaccination as literally necessary to living a good and full and healthy life," he added.
Children under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine will be exempt from the new policy.
Data shows that about 66% of adults in New York City are fully vaccinated, the Associated Press reports.
New York City will become the first big city in the nation to impose such rules.
The policy is similar to mandates issued in France and Italy last month.
Several companies in the city are already implementing a vaccine requirement including Equinox and SoulCycle, as well as the Union Square Hospitality Group which operates some of New York’s most well-known restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern, Blue Smoke and The Modern.