New York City Now Enforces Covid-19 Vaccine Requirement For Most Indoor Activities

Since August 17, the city has required people aged 12 and over to prove that they have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for indoor meals, indoor fitness activities and indoor entertainment. hall, including cinemas, concert halls, museums and sports arenas. Enforcement of these rules began on Monday, the city said.

Companies are now required to check the immunization status of all staff and clients 12 years of age and older, or face fines. Residents can show proof of vaccination in the form of a CDC vaccination card, NYC vaccination card, New York State Excelsior Pass, or the NYC Covid Safe app.

Civilian inspectors from 13 municipal agencies were to begin enforcement, Mayor Bill de Blasio said last week. These inspectors will visit companies to verify that all procedures are followed, that companies have installed appropriate signage on the requirement, and that employees are properly checking proof of vaccination, the mayor said.

Inspectors will come from 13 agencies, including FDNY, Department of Consumer Affairs, Department of Buildings, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation, Department of Housing Preservation and Development, NYC Sheriff’s Office, the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission and the Parks Department.

The NYPD is not one of the agencies providing civilian inspectors.

Even before this requirement, some covered establishments in New York City required proof of vaccination to enter.

The rule is part of the city’s efforts to vaccinate more people and thus safely reopen the overcrowded city without triggering epidemics. As part of the incentive plan, the city is offering $ 100 debit cards to anyone who receives a first dose of vaccine in the form of a metaphorical “carrot”, while the “Key to NYC” program is running. as the “stick” to punish those who are not vaccinated.

Monday also marked the first day of the school year for public schools – this year with mask and vaccine requirements and no remote options – and the return to work for many city employees.

“You can feel the city life,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Monday.

“This is the day we have been waiting for,” he added. History will be remembered as “a day that changed the game, that made the difference, a day of turnaround. It is the day that NYC comes back in force,” he said.

The average daily number of new Covid-19 cases and the test positivity rate in New York have both declined since a recent spike in late August, according to city data. Daily hospitalizations have also declined and are only a fraction of previous increases this spring and last winter.

Yet the potential for dangerous epidemics remains in the pockets of unvaccinated people. Data from the city shows just over 79% of adult New York City residents have received at least one dose, including 86% of adults in Manhattan and Queens but 73% in Brooklyn.

CNN’s Laura Ly and Kristina Sgueglia contributed to this report.