New York Becomes First Major US City To Institute Medical Segregation With Vaccine Passport Mandate

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Tuesday that the city will be mandating proof of COVID-19 vaccination for various indoor businesses including restaurants, entertainment venues, and gyms. The move makes New York the first major U.S. city to implement such a policy.

“Today I announce a new approach, which we’re now calling the ‘Key To NYC Pass,'” de Blasio said. “When you hear those words, I want you to imagine the notion that because someone’s vaccinated they can do all the amazing things that are available in the city.”

“If you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things. That’s the point we’re trying to get across. It’s time for people to see vaccination as literally necessary to living a good, full, and healthy life,” he added.

The final details of the program are set to be finalized by the week of Aug. 16, with enforcement of the mandate set to begin on Sept. 15. NYC officials told the New York Post, “New Yorkers will be required to show either the state’ ‘Excelsior Pass,’ the city’s new vaccine pass or Center for Disease Control’s paper vaccine card, as proof of vaccination.”