Due to the new Delta and Omicron variants of the coronavirus – which are spreading across the nation at alarming speeds – more cities have enacted indoor vaccine/testing requirements in order for patrons to visit restaurants, bars, and more. Currently, Boston, New York City, Washington DC, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle all have mandates in place.
Here’s a closer look at their specific rules:
BOSTON – Starting January 15, 2022, Boston will require that all patrons have at least one dose of a COVID vaccine in order to enter restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, and arenas. Come February 15th, they will need to show full vaccination status.
NEW YORK CITY – Since September, New York City has required that patrons aged 12 and above in restaurants, bars, gyms, and other public spaces have at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Starting December 27th, patrons aged 5-12 will need to show proof of at least one shot and those who are older will now need to be fully vaccinated.
WASHINGTON DC – America’s capital is taking the same measures as Boston, telling residents and visitors that they will need at least one shot by January 15, 2022, and show full vaccination by February 15th.
CHICAGO – Starting January 3, 2022, all patrons aged 6 and older must be fully vaccinated to enter any space that serves food or drinks (which includes gyms with drinking fountains and sports arenas because they serve food and beverages).
LOS ANGELES – Staring in November, LA began requiring full vaccination status for anyone entering an establishment that serves food and drinks. Due to LA’s year-round great weather, unvaccinated individuals can still be served on outdoor patios and sidewalk dining. There’s also an indoor mask mandate in place until January 15, 2022.
NEW ORLEANS – The Crescent City is the only southern city to implement vaccine and testing requirements. To enter restaurants, bars, sporting venues, casinos, and theaters, residents and visitors aged 12 and up must show proof of at least one dose of a vaccine, or show a negative COVID test result taken in the last 72 hours.
PHILADELPHIA – Philly is starting their vaccine mandates on January 3, 2022. From the 3rd-17th anyone who is not fully vaccinated can sidestep the rules by showing proof of a negative COVID test taken within the last 24 hours. Starting January 18th, only fully vaccinated patrons can enter. On top of restaurants, bars, and sporting venues, Philly is adding museums to their list of spaces that will require vaccination proof.
SAN FRANCISCO – The City by the Bay has a strict policy stating everyone 12 and older must be fully vaccinated to enter places that serve food and/or drinks, as well as entertainment and sports venues.
SEATTLE – Seattle says that anyone 12 and over must provide proof of full vaccination in order to enter dining establishments, bars, theaters, indoor sporting events, and even outdoor sporting events that have more than 500 onlookers. However, anyone providing a negative COVID test result from the last 72 hours can be admitted as well.
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