New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) is implementing a âfirst-in-the-nationâ COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
On Tuesday, de Blasio said, âToday I announce a new approach which weâre calling the Key To NYC Pass.â
âWhen you hear those words, I want you to imagine the notion that because someoneâs 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 youâre vaccinated, all thatâs going to open up to you, youâll have the key you can open the door,â he continued.
However, the mayor said, âIf youâre unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things. Thatâs the point weâre trying to get across. Itâs time for people to see vaccination as literally necessary to living a good and full and healthy life.â
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.
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De Blasioâs 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 âvaccine-onlyâ admission.
âI am asking them and suggesting to them, go to vaccine-only admission. Go to vaccine-only admission,â he said, adding, âPrivate businesses, bars, restaurants, go to a vaccine-only admission. I believe itâs in your best business interest.â
Finally, Cuomo added, âIf 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 Iâm sitting at a table and the table right next to me, I want to know that theyâre vaccinated. I believe itâs in your business interest to run a vaccine-only establishment.â
The new surge in coronavirus cases has sparked a debate over vaccine mandates in the country.