Boston Proof Of Vaccination Policy And City Worker Vaccine Mandate Set For January
BOSTON (CBS) -- The city of Boston will require proof of COVID vaccination for certain indoor spaces, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Monday. The B-Together initiative requires proof of vaccination for indoor dining, indoor fitness venues, and indoor entertainment, recreational, and event venues.
This will go into effect on January 15.
Patrons and workers will first need to show proof of at least one vaccine shot. On February 15, proof of a second shot will then be required.
Verification can be done by showing a vaccine card, a digital picture of a vaccine card, a picture of any official immunization record, a city-designated app, or any other COVID vaccine verification app.
"It would be a quick glance at an app, or a card, or a photo of your card," Wu said. "We are setting clear standards that will provide straightforward guidance for businesses."
Webinars will be available starting Tuesday to help small businesses understand how to implement the new standard.
Wu also announced that city workers will need to be vaccinated along the same timeline, eliminating the current policy that allows unvaccinated individuals to get tested weekly.
The city's workforce is already more than 90% vaccinated under the existing policy.
"This is just one step in an aggressive approach that the city has already been working hard to implement, and will continue to ramp up in the coming days and weeks," Wu said.
Protestors could be heard yelling "shame on Wu" during the mayor's announcement.
"There is nothing more American than coming together to ensure that we are taking care of each other, that each and every one of our community members is safe, is healthy, and has access to the future and the opportunities they deserve," Wu said in response to protestors.
Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone and Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll were showed their support for Wu's initiative at the announcement as well.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 6,345 new confirmed COVID cases and 45 additional deaths in the state on Friday. It is the most new cases reported in a single day since January and the highest amount of deaths reported in a single day since March.
Boston is averaging 369 new COVID cases per day with a positivity rate of 6.7%.
