New York City revealed their “Key to NYC Pass” program on Tuesday which requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination to be provided in order to participate in various indoor activities.
The New York Times reported, “New York City will become the first U.S. city to require proof of vaccination for a variety of activities for workers and customers – indoor dining, gyms and performances – to put pressure on people to get vaccinated, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday morning.”
The Times added, “The program, similar to mandates issued in France and Italy last month, will start later this month, and after a transition period, enforcement will begin in mid-September when schools are expected to reopen and more workers could return to offices in Manhattan.”
During a press conference on Tuesday, de Blasio explained the program, “Today I announce a new approach which we’re calling the ‘Key to NYC Pass.’ The key to New York City. When you hear those words, I want you to imagine the notion that because someone is vaccinated, they can do all of the amazing things that are available in this city. This is a miraculous place, literally full of wonders, and if you’re vaccinated, all of that is going to open up to you. You’ll have the key. You can open the door…”
He added, “The goal here is to convince everyone that this is the time. If we are going to stop the Delta variant, the time is now, and that means getting vaccinated right now.”
De Blasio later said, “If you want to participate in our society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated. It’s time. It is time for people to see vaccinations as literally necessary to living a good, full and healthy life. If you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things.”
Join us live at City Hall for a major announcement on how New York City will lead the way in fighting back COVID and driving up vaccinations. https://t.co/MV5jan14NT
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) August 3, 2021
