On Tuesday, August 3, New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio announced proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required to attend all indoor entertainment venues in NYC. The order also extends to indoor dining and gyms. At this time, only one vaccine dose will be required as opposed to full vaccination.
This new order comes as a result of rising cases all over the U.S. caused by the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. According to Healthline the three vaccines currently in use across the country (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) are “Anywhere from 64 to 96 percent effective against the Delta variant with two doses”.
One dose or no doses of vaccine significantly increase the likelihood of serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19. De Blasio is requiring city workers to either be vaccinated or tested weekly.
“If you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things,” said Mayor De Blasio. “If you want to participate in our society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated. The only way to patronize these establishments is if you are vaccinated, At least one dose. The same for folks in terms of work, they will need at least one dose.”
As of publishing, 55 percent of people living in New York have been fully vaccinated, which is higher than overall rate for the U.S. of 50 percent. 66 percent of New Yorkers have received at least one dose.
