NYC to Require COVID-19 Vaccination for Concerts, Broadway, More

Come September 13, New York City will require a number of service industry professionals and event customers to have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, as The New York Times reports. NYC will be the first U.S. city to enforce a vaccine mandate of this kind. According to the Times, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the news during a press conference this morning (August 3). Proof of at least partial vaccination will be required at concert venues, Broadway shows, movie theaters, gyms, restaurants, and more. Outdoor diners will not need to show proof of vaccination, nor will children under the age of 12, as they are not yet eligible for the vaccine.

The new vaccine requirement program is called “Key to NYC Pass,” and it will begin August 16, however enforcement will not commence until September 13. New Yorkers can show proof of vaccination via the city’s new app, a paper vaccine card, or the state’s Excelsior app. According to the Times’ report, Mayor de Blasio will require city workers to get vaccinated or to face weekly COVID-19 testing. He is also offering a $100 incentive for members of the public who get vaccinated. 

Yesterday (August 2), Japanese Breakfast wrote a statement on Twitter encouraging fans to get vaccinated ahead of her forthcoming tour. “All upcoming shows for this tour will be masked and require either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR within 48 hours preceding the show,” she wrote. “Please get vaccinated!” Find her full post below.

Revisit “What Does a Music Festival During a Pandemic Look Like? We’re About to Find Out” on the Pitch.