New York clubs to require proof of Covid-19 vaccine for entry

New York clubs will require proof of at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine for entry from 16th August, with rules set to be enforced from 13th September 2021.

The announcement came from city Mayor Bill de Blasio, making the Big Apple the first place in the U.S. to impose this requirement having previously opted not to use so-called ‘COVID passports’ in late June. Anyone looking to attend an indoor venue or music event will need to show the NYC COVID Safe app, Excelsior Pass, or vaccine card issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 

Dubbed the ‘Key to NYC Pass’, the initiative also includes calls for workers in the city to undertake weekly coronavirus tests, and for the remaining unvaccinated population to get inoculated. An incentive of $100 is being offered to those reluctant to get jabbed. 

“If you want to participate in our society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated. The only way to patronise these establishments is if you are vaccinated, at least one dose,” de Blasio said. 

The decision has been made as America struggles to curb rising infection rates driven by the Delta variant of coronavirus. This week, President Joe Biden put more pressure on state governors to do more to combat the situation, singling Texas and Florida out as major causes for concern.  On Monday, the U.S. hit the milestone of 70% of adults having received one dose of an approved vaccination.