Vaccine Mandate for Private Sector Workers and Expansions to Key to NYC Program

On Monday, December 6, Mayor de Blasio announced new COVID-19 mandates as a response to the new Omicron variant and the increase of cases throughout the holiday season and winter months.

• Tuesday, December 14: The Key to NYC program will require children age 5-11 to show proof of one vaccination dose for indoor dining, fitness, entertainment and performance venues. 

• Tuesday, December 14: Children 5-11 will be required to get vaccinated to participate in high-risk extracurricular activities. These activities include sports, band, orchestra and dance. 

• Monday, December 27: Private-sector workers who are working in-person must have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This new mandate will affect about 184,000 businesses in the city. The City plans to release additional guidance on this mandate and resources to support small businesses with implementation on Wednesday, December 15. 

• Monday, December 27: New Yorkers aged 12 and older will be required to show proof of two vaccine doses, instead of one, except for those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a CDC issued vaccination card, the New York State Excelsior Pass, the Clear Health Pass, and the NYC COVID Safe App. The NYC COVID Safe App has been updated to allow parents to save vaccine information for their children.

Click here to read the press release on these new mandates. For more information, visit the Key to NYC website. 

Photo credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer