New York City’s vaccine passport program begins August 17th across all five boroughs, requiring residents to show proof of injection before entering most public places.
“Get your proof of vaccination ready to go because that’s your Key to NYC! Beginning tomorrow, August 17, you’ll need proof of vaccination to unlock everything NYC has to offer,” posted the City of New York’s official Twitter account Monday afternoon.
Get your proof of vaccination ready to go because that's your Key to NYC!
Beginning tomorrow, August 17, you’ll need proof of vaccination to unlock everything NYC has to offer. pic.twitter.com/dibcGszXU1
— City of New York (@nycgov) August 16, 2021
JUST IN: De Blasio Signing Executive Order To Enforce 'Key To NYC' Program. pic.twitter.com/UaGUAkfKl7
— Forbes (@Forbes) August 16, 2021
“New Yorkers continue to come out in strong numbers to get the vaccine. We have a real challenge here, but we know what we can do to fight back,” said the Mayor. “Key to NYC is an approach that makes clear the power of vaccination. It is the ultimate encouragement.”
“There are so many amazing things in this city that you can participate in if you’re vaccinated,” he added.
There are exemptions for children under 12 — who are not yet eligible to receive the injections — as well as athletes and performers who do not reside in New York City.
A major question about the rules has to do with the absence of exemptions for people unable to receive the vaccine for medical reasons, including New Yorkers who are immunocompromised or receiving other treatments for illnesses like cancer.
Business owners caught not enforcing the passport will face fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for repeat offenders.
The policy will be patrolled by the City’s Health Department.
Read the full report at CBS New York.
