INSIDE NEW YORK’S COVID VACCINE MANDATE

Earlier this month, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that proof of vaccination would be required for people to enter select indoor establishments. Businesses will receive a fine of $1,000 if they violate the mandate after receiving a warning for an initial transgression. A third violation comes with a $2,000 fine. Establishments can get up to a $5,000 fine for any further violations.

According to city data, about 66 percent of adults in the city are fully vaccinated. On average, there are about 86,000 cases a day, nationally. The average is a lot higher than a month ago, but still less than January’s tracked cases. Hospitalizations have risen, but again, far less from last winter. Experts are still saying that fully vaccinated people are protected against the worst outcomes of Covid-19 caused by the Delta variant.

There are some exceptions to the new law. Exempt individuals who enter covered establishments must continue to wear face masks when unable to maintain six feet of social distance from other individuals. The exceptions include:

• Children under the age of 12

• Individuals, including suppliers and vendors, entering businesses for a limited time and for a limited purpose;

• Performing artists who do not reside in New York City and are not regularly employed by the relevant covered entity;

• Professional athletes and members of professional sports teams who do not reside in New York City and enter the relevant covered premises to compete.

• Individuals accompanying performing artists, members of sports teams, or professional athletes as part of their regular employment during a performance or competition and who do not reside in New York City.

• Contractors who do not reside in New York City.

New York natives can confirm they are vaccinated by showing their vaccine card, using the NYC COVID SAFE App, or New York state’s Excelsior Pass.