NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — New York City is set to become the first U.S. city to require proof of vaccination this week — for a variety of indoor activities.
The vaccination requirement is an effort to lessen the spread of COVID-19, but not everyone believes this mandate is the answer, CBS2’s Hazel Sanchez reported Sunday.
READ MORE: Candlelight Vigil In Honor Of COVID-19 Victims Held In Brooklyn
More than 200 people rallied outside Gracie Mansion, chanting “Freedom! Freedom!” as they vowed to ignore Mayor Bill de Blasio‘s vaccine mandate, requiring customers and employees of restaurants with indoor dining, gyms and other indoor venues like theaters be vaccinated.
“We don’t like the mandates. We don’t approve of them. We want to keep America free,” one person said.
“If my job requires me to get the vaccine, then I’m gonna look to move somewhere else. I have to. I’m not gonna compromise my health for the rest of my life,” said Bryce Ciccaglione of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
COVID VACCINE
The Key to NYC Pass will go into effect Monday. People will have to show proof of vaccination with the city’s new app, the state’s Excelsior App or their paper vaccination card.
Children younger than 12, who are still not eligible for the vaccine, will still be allowed into all venues.
READ MORE: NYPD Det. Shantay Neal-Baker Dies From COVID-19
Many New Yorkers are on board with the plan as COVID continues to spread.
“The numbers are increasing, and so how do we go back into an environment where we have some kind of controls over what goes on in terms of our health?” said Marcia Cantarella of the Upper West Side.
“I understand why they’re doing it. So I get it,” added Celia Wichert of Astoria, Queens.
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
During the first four weeks, city officials will be educating businesses and doing public outreach about the Key to NYC Pass. The program will be fully enforced on Sept. 13.
“I think we need some nudging. Some people, it’s harder to come to that conclusion,” one person said.
“If private businesses want to do that, again it’s a choice. I don’t agree with it. Hopefully, there will be other businesses that will support freedom,” another person said.
MORE NEWS: Delta Variant Spread Has Some Questioning Safety Of Even Outdoor Events
Many businesses are concerned about bearing responsibility for enforcing the mandate. CBS2 will have more on that part of the story coming up at 11 p.m.
