New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) is implementing a “first-in-the-nation” COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
On Tuesday, de Blasio said, “Today I announce a new approach which we’re calling the Key To NYC Pass.”
“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. This is a miraculous place, literally full of wonders. And if you’re vaccinated, all that’s going to open up to you, you’ll have the key you can open the door,” he continued.
However, the mayor said, “If you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things. That’s the point we’re trying to get across. It’s time for people to see vaccination as literally necessary to living a good and full and healthy life.”
Under the new approach, patrons and employees of indoor dining, fitness, entertainment, and performance establishments will have to be vaccinated.
The new requirements will begin to be enforced on Sept. 13.
Watch the video below:
BREAKING: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announces "first-in-the-nation" requirement for employees and customers of indoor dining establishments, fitness facilities and entertainment facilities to have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. https://t.co/Jg2mKsIFpk pic.twitter.com/r2ikKacwUs
— ABC News (@ABC) August 3, 2021
De Blasio’s announcement comes as the U.S. is seeing another wave of new coronavirus infections. On Monday, the country recorded 135,811 new infections, numbers not seen since February.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) urged private businesses on Monday to move to a “vaccine-only” admission.
“I am asking them and suggesting to them, go to vaccine-only admission. Go to vaccine-only admission,” he said, adding, “Private businesses, bars, restaurants, go to a vaccine-only admission. I believe it’s in your best business interest.”
Finally, Cuomo added, “If I go to a bar and I want to have a drink, and I want to talk to the person next to me, I want to know that that person is vaccinated. If I go to a restaurant and I’m sitting at a table and the table right next to me, I want to know that they’re vaccinated. I believe it’s in your business interest to run a vaccine-only establishment.”
The new surge in coronavirus cases has sparked a debate over vaccine mandates in the country.