Logan Reed
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact cities across the globe, many have introduced vaccine mandates for various indoor activities, including dining. In Philly, several restaurants and bars began instituting vaccination requirements for diners and staff in 2021. As of January 3, 2022, proof of vaccination is required to enter any establishment serving food or drinks for on-site consumption, including bars, restaurants, sports venues, and movie theatres. This mandate aims to prevent another shutdown of indoor dining in the city. While some residents support the measure, others have expressed concerns over the potential infringement on personal choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of implementation | 3 January 2022 |
| What you need | Proof of vaccination, vaccine card, photo of card on phone, vaccine passport app |
| Accepted vaccines | Both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine |
| Boosters | Not required |
| Rules for children | Not required for children under five years and three months |
| Rules for those with medical/religious exemptions | Exempt |
| Rules for outdoor dining | No proof of vaccination required |
| Rules for grocery/convenience stores | No proof of vaccination required |
| Rules for businesses that primarily sell food/drink for offsite use | No proof of vaccination required |
| Rules for airports | Only required at traditional sit-down restaurants and bars |
| Rules for movie theatres | Proof of vaccination required |
| Rules for bowling alleys | Proof of vaccination required |
| Rules for Wells Fargo Center | Proof of vaccination required for concerts and sporting events |
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What You'll Learn
Philly restaurants requiring proof of vaccination
As of January 3, 2024, you must have proof of vaccination if you want to eat inside a restaurant in Philadelphia. This rule also applies to bars and anywhere else that serves food and drinks indoors. A photo of your vaccine card on your phone or a vaccine passport app will be accepted as proof.
This mandate was implemented after the Omicron variant spread and caused an increase in cases in the city. Proof of vaccination is also required to enter movie theatres and bowling alleys, and for concerts and sporting events at the Wells Fargo Center.
Even before the mandate, some restaurants in Philadelphia had already begun to require proof of vaccination for indoor dining. For example, in August 2021, Martha, a restaurant in Kensington, announced that it would require guests to provide proof of vaccination to enter. This was followed by Irwin's, a Sicilian restaurant located on the roof of the Bok building, and Musi BYOB in Pennsport, which implemented the same requirement. In September 2021, Vetri Cucina in Washington Square West and Fiorella in Bella Vista started asking diners making reservations to be vaccinated or eat outdoors. Around the same time, popular restaurants Zahav in Society Hill, Laser Wolf in Kensington, and Abe Fisher in Center City began requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining reservations. Other restaurants that have instituted proof of vaccination requirements include the Lunar Inn and Sor Ynez in Kensington.
While the mandate aims to keep staff and customers safe, Philadelphia residents have expressed mixed opinions about it.
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COVID-19 delta variant and low vaccination rates
As of 2024, Philadelphia has implemented a vaccine mandate for restaurants, bars, and other indoor dining spaces. This means that proof of vaccination is required to enter these establishments. The new rule was implemented in response to the spread of the Omicron variant, which caused an increase in cases in the city. Previously, in 2021, some individual restaurants in Philadelphia had already started requiring proof of vaccination for guests to dine in, due to the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant. At the time, only 62% of Philadelphians were fully vaccinated, and the city was experiencing substantial levels of COVID-19 transmission.
The link between low vaccination rates and the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant is evident. A study published in eLife found that U.S. states with low vaccination rates were hit harder by the COVID-19 surge caused by the Delta variant during the summer of 2021. The study utilized nine different models and four defined scenarios to assess how virus control measures and vaccination rates impacted the trajectory of COVID-19 as the Delta variant spread. The models accurately projected that cases would rise and peak in mid-to-late September 2021, and that states with the lowest vaccination rates would be the most affected.
The importance of high vaccination rates in mitigating COVID-19 illness and deaths during variant-driven surges cannot be overstated. The COVID-19 Delta variant is highly contagious and led to a surge in infections and transmission rates in Philadelphia in 2021. To protect public health and reduce the burden on healthcare systems, it is crucial to encourage vaccination and implement appropriate public health measures, such as mask mandates and social distancing, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates.
While the recent vaccine mandate in Philadelphia is a step towards protecting its residents and visitors, it is important to recognize that vaccine requirements can be divisive. Some businesses in other cities that have implemented similar mandates have faced negative Yelp reviews and even threats of lawsuits. Nevertheless, with the ongoing evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the emergence of new variants, maintaining high vaccination rates and adhering to public health measures remain crucial in the fight against COVID-19.
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Mask mandates for unvaccinated diners
As of January 3, 2022, Philadelphia has implemented a vaccine mandate for restaurants, bars, and other indoor dining establishments. Patrons must show their vaccination card, or a picture of their card on their phone, along with a form of government ID. This mandate applies to any establishment where food or drinks are served, including sports venues, casinos, movie theatres, and food courts. However, it does not apply to grocery or convenience stores, or businesses that primarily sell food and drinks for off-site consumption. The mandate also exempts individuals with valid religious or medical exemptions, and children under five years and three months old.
Prior to the vaccine mandate, Philadelphia had lifted its indoor mask mandate following updated CDC guidance. However, with the spread of the Delta variant and increasing COVID-19 cases in the city, there was a strong recommendation for all residents, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks while indoors in public spaces. This included unvaccinated diners in restaurants and bars, with many businesses still requesting that customers wear masks upon entering.
Some establishments in Philadelphia took it upon themselves to institute their own vaccine and mask mandates for diners. For example, Kalaya in South Philly requested that unvaccinated diners eat at outdoor tables. At Vetri Cucina in Washington Square West and Fiorella in Bella Vista, diners making reservations after September 7, 2021, were asked to be vaccinated or eat outdoors. Other restaurants, such as Martha, Irwin's, and Musi BYOB, began requiring all guests and employees to be fully vaccinated.
With the implementation of the city-wide vaccine mandate for indoor dining as of January 3, 2022, the focus has shifted primarily to vaccination status rather than mask mandates for unvaccinated diners. However, it is important to note that individual businesses may still have their own policies or requests regarding masks for unvaccinated individuals.
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Vaccine mandate exemptions
As of January 3, 2022, Philadelphia mandated that all individuals provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter establishments that sell food or drink for on-site consumption. This includes restaurants, bars, sports venues, movie theatres, bowling alleys, and casinos. However, exemptions to this mandate exist for certain individuals and entities.
The mandate includes standard exemptions for religious and medical reasons. People with valid religious or medical exemptions are not required to show proof of vaccination. However, they must provide a negative COVID-19 test within the past 24 hours to enter establishments that seat more than 1,000 people. This exemption ensures that individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs or medical conditions that prevent them from receiving the vaccine can still access public spaces while taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Children under five years and three months of age are also exempt from the mandate. This exemption considers that children below this age are not yet eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, establishments such as schools and daycares are exempt from the mandate altogether, allowing unvaccinated children to access these facilities without restriction.
Additionally, the mandate does not apply to certain types of establishments, including grocery stores, hospitals, and other non-restaurant settings. These exemptions recognize that individuals may need to access food or beverages from these locations regardless of their vaccination status.
It's important to note that the vaccine mandate in Philadelphia is subject to change as the city continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and follow the guidance of health authorities. Any updates or adjustments to the mandate, including exemptions, will be communicated to the public through official channels.
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Vaccine eligibility and access
As of April 2022, there is no mandate in Philadelphia requiring individuals to be vaccinated to eat at restaurants. However, the city previously had a vaccination mandate for indoor dining that was lifted in March 2022.
Now, let's focus on vaccine eligibility and access in Philadelphia.
Vaccine Eligibility:
- Philadelphia follows the vaccine eligibility guidelines provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Currently, all individuals aged 5 years and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This includes children aged 5-11, who are eligible for the pediatric Pfizer vaccine.
- Additionally, individuals aged 12 and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 28 days after their second dose.
- Booster shots are also available for specific groups. Individuals aged 12 and older who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are eligible for a booster shot at least 5 months after completing their primary vaccination series. For those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those aged 18 and older at least 2 months after their initial dose.
Vaccine Access:
- Philadelphia has numerous sites offering COVID-19 vaccines, including hospitals, pharmacies, and dedicated vaccination sites.
- The Philadelphia Department of Public Health provides a vaccine provider map on its website, allowing individuals to find nearby vaccination sites, including those offering pediatric doses for children aged 5-11.
- Many sites accept walk-ins, but it is recommended to schedule an appointment when possible.
- The city also offers various resources for those with disabilities or special needs. This includes in-home vaccinations for those who are homebound and accessible sites for individuals with disabilities.
- Language assistance is also available at many sites, and the city provides information in multiple languages on its website.
- Transportation assistance may be available for those who need help getting to a vaccination site. The SEPTA Key Senior ID card allows Philadelphia residents aged 65 and older to ride SEPTA buses, subways, and trolleys for free. Additionally, the SEPTA CCT Connect program provides shared-ride paratransit services for individuals with disabilities.
- For those without internet access, the city provides a COVID-19 vaccine hotline (1-855-482-4767) that offers assistance in multiple languages. This hotline can help individuals find vaccination sites, schedule appointments, and answer any vaccine-related questions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of January 3, 2022, proof of vaccination is required to eat inside a restaurant, bar, or any other establishment that serves food or drinks for on-site consumption in Philadelphia.
You must show your vaccination card, along with a form of government ID. A picture of your card or a vaccine passport app is also accepted.
For the first two weeks of the mandate, from January 3 to January 17, a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours was accepted in place of proof of vaccination. After this period, only proof of vaccination is accepted.
The mandate does not apply to grocery stores, convenience stores, or businesses that primarily sell food and drink for off-site consumption. It also does not apply to those with valid religious or medical exemptions and children under five years and three months old.
No, proof of vaccination is not required for outdoor dining. However, some restaurants may request that unvaccinated diners eat outdoors.
