Boston to require proof of vaccines at restaurants, gyms

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Monday that the city will require COVID-19 vaccinations to enter most indoor spaces starting on Jan. 15, as part of a campaign to increase vaccinations called “B Together.”

Additionally, Wu announced that those working in the listed indoor facilities will also be required to be fully vaccinated. 

The mandate will require that those entering indoor dining spaces, bars, nightclubs, fitness centers, movie theaters, concert venues, museums, sports arenas and other entertainment facilities show a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination card, a digital image of a CDC vaccination card or another official vaccine record, or using an official vaccine verification app.

Businesses covered by the mandate will be required to post a notice of the vaccine requirement and will be responsible for ensuring that customers and employees comply with the new mandate. 

People over the age of 12 have until Feb. 15 to show full vaccination to enter indoor venues, though they must present proof of at least one vaccine dose by Jan. 15.

Children aged 5-11 must present proof of one vaccine dose to enter indoor venues starting March 1, and by May 1, all people over the age of 5 must present proof of full vaccination to enter the listed venues. 

The order will not be extended to places that exclusively serve food or drink outside, or to services that provide charitable food supplies, such as soup kitchens. 

Wu stated during a press conference that, “the vast majority of hospitalizations are of unvaccinated individuals,” and added, “It’s time for Boston to follow the science and public health data to ease [health care workers’] burden to take the big steps that we can to help close vaccination gaps.” 

Finally, we’re also updating @CityofBoston policy to require vaccination of all City employees on the same #BTogether timeline—ensuring our workforce will be safe.

— Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 (@MayorWu) December 20, 2021

According to New York Times data, 76 percent of Bostonians aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Boston joins other major cities in the United States that require proof of vaccination for indoor venues, including New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco and New Orleans.

Wu was elected as Boston’s first female mayor in November and was sworn into office the same month.