Following is the guidance just released from the City about the proof of vaccination (called Key to NYC) that begins Tues. Aug. 17, 2021 for certain types of businesses. Enforcement will begin Sept. 13, 2021. Below are links to Frequently Asked Questions, the City’s Checklist for Businesses, and the flyer which you can print or create your own.
A few important highlights which address questions we’ve been hearing (more details are in the FAQ):
- Children under age 12 (not yet eligible for vaccination) are able to enter all the listed establishments as long as they wear a face mask, except when eating or drinking, whenever they are unable to maintain six feet from other people.
- If your business is covered by Key to NYC, you are required to:
- post a sign notifying employees and patrons about the vaccination requirement. You can make your own sign (which must be at least 8.5″ x 11″ and at least 14-point font) or post the attached sign.
- keep a written record of how you will verify proof of vaccination for employees and patrons. This must be on site and available for inspection.
- People who refuse to show proof of vaccination can enter for a brief purpose, like picking up take-out food or paying a bill, as long as they wear a mask whenever they are unable to maintain six feet from other people.
Here is the guidance…
Today, Mayor de Blasio released additional information about the recently launched “Key to NYC” program, which requires indoor entertainment, indoor dining, and indoor fitness establishments to check vaccination records of patrons, full- or part-time employees, interns, volunteers, and contractors with the following two exceptions:
- individuals entering a covered establishment for a quick and limited purpose (using the restroom, placing or picking up an order or service, changing clothes in a locker room, or performing necessary repairs)
- visiting performing artists or athletes (including any members of the team accompanying the performer or athlete), so long as the visiting performer/athlete is in the premises to perform/compete.
Establishments can accept the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record (including photograph or copy of the Vaccination Card), the NYC COVID Safe Pass, the New York State Excelsior Pass or an official immunization record from outside NYC or the United States as proof of vaccination. Establishments will be required to maintain written records so that inspectors can review how they are implementing and enforcing this mandate.
In addition, establishments must post the attached sign (or a similar sign following specific design requirements) in a conspicuous place near the entrance(s) of the establishment.
The following business are required to check vaccination records under the Key to NYC program:
Indoor Entertainment:
- Movie theaters
- Live music
- Concert venues
- Museums & galleries
- Aquariums and zoos
- Professional sports arenas
- Stadiums
- Convention centers
- Exhibition halls
- Performing arts theaters
- Bowling alleys
- Arcades
- Pool and billiard halls
- Recreational game centers
- Casinos
- Adult entertainment
Indoor Dining
- Restaurants
- Catering halls
- Event spaces
- Hotel banquet rooms
- Bars
- Cabarets
- Nightclubs
- Cafeterias
- Grocery stores with indoor dining
- Bakeries
- Coffee shops
- Fast food / quick service with indoor dining
Indoor Fitness Establishments:
- Gyms
- Fitness centers
- Fitness classes
- Pools
- Indoor studios
- Dance studios
- Sports classes
The “Key to NYC” program kicks off tomorrow and the City will begin assessing fines to establishments that fail to comply with the vaccination mandate on Sept. 13, 2021. Failure to comply will result in violations of not less than $1,000 per offense, and could result in fines of up to $5,000 per offense if the entity is found to repeatedly fail to check for vaccination within a 12 month period.