The New York Post is reporting today that Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that New York City is mandating proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter certain indoor businesses — including all indoor restaurants, entertainment venues and gyms.
The article reports:
The program, which de Blasio dubbed the “Key to NYC Pass,” makes New York the first major US city to create such a mandate and, according to the mayor, marks a significant escalation of the city’s efforts to curb the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases driven by the Delta variant, and will launch on Aug. 16.
“It will require vaccination for workers and customers in indoor dining, in indoor fitness facilities, indoor entertainment facilities,” he said. “The only way to patronize these businesses indoors is if you’re vaccinated.”
“If you want to participate in society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated,” de Blasio added.
Enforcement will begin on Sept. 13, following a public service announcement campaign, de Blasio said. Entry will be denied to anyone without a shot.
“If we’re going to stop the Delta variant, the time is now,” said the mayor. “This is going to make clear, you want to enjoy everything great in this summer of New York City? Go get vaccinated.”
The article concludes:
And on Monday, the mayor hinted at the Big Apple moving toward a “reality” in which those who do not get vaccinated are barred from certain settings.
“More and more, there’s going to be a reality where, if you’re vaccinated, a world of opportunity opens up to you. If you’re not vaccinated, there’s going to be more and more things you can’t do,” de Blasio said during his virtual press briefing, when he announced that the city will only hire vaccinated workers and advised all New Yorkers to wear masks in indoor, public settings.
“I say that to say, go get vaccinated, so you can fully participate in the life of this city, because that’s where things are going.”
First of all, is this Constitutional? Secondly, why is there so much emphasis on vaccines rather than treatments? This is very odd.