City Ups Covid Vaccine Requirements to Stave Off a Winter Surge

New York City is updating its vaccine requirements yet again as the city moves quickly to keep a spike in winter cases and the Omicron variant at bay. Most private-sector workers will need to be vaccinated by the end of the month, and full inoculation will be required for indoor activities. 

Mayor de Blasio announced that starting December 27, two vaccination doses will be required for adults taking advantage of indoor dining, gyms and other indoor entertainment. Currently, proof of only one dose is required. Also starting December 14, children ages 5-11 will be required to show proof of at least one dose for indoor dining, gyms and entertainment. 

The vaccine mandate for workers in the city is growing exponentially too: the city will require all private-sector employees to have at least one dose of the vaccine starting December 27. That would apply to 184,000 businesses in the city, and their in-person workers (remote workers are exempt). It is unclear how it would be enforced; the measure is likely to face legal challenges, according to the New York Times. The new restrictions would go into effect just four days before de Blasio leaves office; incoming Mayor Eric Adams has not yet said whether he will keep the rules in place. 

The Small Business Services office is expected to release an FAQ and additional support for businesses on December 15. 

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