New Covid-19 App to Show Proof of Vaccination for NYC Mandate
On August 2, New York City launched its very own vaccine app for users to confirm they received a Covid-19 shot. This was to prepare for the vaccine mandate, the “Key to NYC” program, launching on August 16.
In New York City, if you want to go to indoor dining, fitness centers and engage in entertainment and performances, including Broadway, movie theaters, and concerts, you will have to show proof of at least one dose of vaccination. This is an effort to curb the spread of the Delta variant.
During a daily briefing, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio acknowledged the vaccination in full favor and alluded to a return of normalcy for those who choose to get vaccinated.
“In a world in which 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. We say that. I say that to say, go get vaccinated. So, you can fully participate in the life, the city, because that’s where things are going,” de Blasio said.
This mandate will also include all municipal workers to have proof of vaccination or face weekly Covid-19 testing. In addition, outdoor dining will be open to patrons who have not been vaccinated. Outside of restaurant businesses, de Blasio encouraged small shop owners to enact their own vaccination rules on their workers and patrons.
The NYC Covid Safe app parallels the New York state-initiated Excelsior Pass vaccination app. In both cases, both citizens of the state and city of New York and outside visitors are eligible to obtain the apps. The NYC Covid Safe app is downloadable via both Apple and Google app stores on smartphones.
As of August 12, more than 50 businesses had already started requiring their patrons to be vaccinated.
Either app will be critical for vaccinated people who would like to engage in indoor activities. Otherwise, businesses will accept a paper copy of a vaccine passport for visitors to enter the establishments. Mayor de Blasio said city officials consulted with the U.S. Department of Justice to verify that the mandate is legal.
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