Sarah Bennett
As the Omicron variant spread, several cities in the US tightened their public health rules to combat the spread. Boston was one of them. Starting January 15, 2022, Boston residents were required to show proof of vaccination before entering certain indoor spaces. This included indoor dining areas, bars, nightclubs, indoor fitness facilities, and indoor entertainment venues. The mandate was rolled out in parts over four months and included everyone aged five and up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Locations requiring vaccination proof | Indoor dining areas, bars, nightclubs, gyms, fitness centres, entertainment venues |
| Age groups | Ages 5 and up |
| Proof accepted | Vaccination card, photocopy of card, digital record, printed record from vaccine provider |
| Exclusions | Public and private pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools, child care programs, community centres, senior centres |
| Compliance | Businesses must post a city-issued notice at the entrance. Compliance checks will be carried out by city inspectors. |
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What You'll Learn
Proof of vaccination required for indoor dining
As of January 15, 2022, Boston residents have been required to show proof of vaccination before entering indoor dining areas, including bars and nightclubs. The mandate applies to patrons and employees of these businesses and is part of the city's efforts to combat the spread of the Omicron variant.
The proof of vaccination can be presented in various forms, including a physical vaccination card, a photocopy or digital record, or a printed record from a vaccine provider. This initiative, known as "B Together," aims to protect people and encourage the unvaccinated to get vaccinated. The policy has received mixed responses, with some restaurants facing backlash on social media, while others support it as a necessary step to ensure the safety of staff and guests.
The mandate is being rolled out in parts over a four-month period, starting with proof of one dose for those aged 12 and above, followed by a requirement for full vaccination a month later. From March 1, children between 5 and 11 years old must show proof of one dose, and by May 1, everyone aged five and above must be fully vaccinated. It is important to note that the mandate does not currently include booster shots, but this is subject to change based on public health data and guidance.
Boston's indoor mask mandate remains in place, requiring masks to be worn in all public buildings, gyms, and businesses. Those who refuse to show proof of vaccination will not be allowed inside unless they are there for a brief task, such as picking up food or paying a bill, and they must wear a mask during their brief stay.
The city is assisting businesses with the transition by conducting compliance checks, and non-compliant businesses will receive a warning followed by potential fines if the issue persists. Notices about the mandate are posted at the entrances of establishments, and language variations are available on the City of Boston's website to ensure accessibility for all residents.
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Proof of vaccination for gyms and fitness centres
As of January 15, 2022, Boston residents have been required to show proof of vaccination before entering indoor fitness facilities, among other indoor spaces. This includes gyms and fitness centres, which must check the vaccination status of patrons and employees. People aged 12 and up must show proof of full vaccination, while children between 5 and 11 years old must show proof of one dose starting March 1. By May 1, everyone aged five and up must show proof of full vaccination.
Proof of vaccination can be presented in the form of a vaccination card, a photocopy of the card, or a digital or printed record from a vaccine provider. People who refuse to show proof of vaccination will not be allowed to enter the premises unless they are there for a limited period, such as picking up food or paying a bill. In such cases, they must wear a mask.
The mandate is part of Mayor Michelle Wu's "B Together" initiative, aiming to protect people and encourage the unvaccinated to get vaccinated. Boston is one of several cities that have tightened public health rules to combat the spread of the Omicron variant.
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Proof of vaccination for entertainment venues
As of January 15, 2022, Boston residents have been required to show proof of vaccination before entering indoor entertainment venues, alongside indoor dining areas and indoor fitness facilities. The mandate applies to patrons and employees of these businesses.
The proof of vaccination can be presented in the form of a vaccination card, a photocopy of the card, a digital record, or a printed record from the vaccine provider. This mandate was implemented as a measure to combat the spread of the Omicron variant, and it is expected to be rolled out in parts over a period of approximately four months. By March 1, 2022, children between the ages of 5 and 11 were required to show proof of at least one dose, and by May 1, 2022, everyone aged 5 and above must show proof of full vaccination.
The implementation of this mandate has resulted in varying responses from businesses and customers. While some restaurants have expressed support for the initiative, aiming to ensure the safety of their staff and guests, others have faced backlash and challenges in enforcing the mandate. Some businesses have opted to verify vaccination status through their online reservation systems or by phone or email, while others check vaccination status at the door or once customers are seated.
It is worth noting that this mandate does not apply to pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade schools, childcare programs, community centers, or senior centers. Additionally, individuals who refuse to provide proof of vaccination are allowed on the premises for limited purposes, such as picking up food or paying a bill, but they must wear a mask during their brief stay.
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Proof of vaccination for city/government workers
In August 2021, Acting Mayor Kim Janey imposed a rule requiring Boston's 18,000 city workers to either get vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. However, there were no plans to mandate proof of vaccination at the city level. Janey likened the concept to slavery and birtherism, and stated that it would disproportionately impact communities of colour.
Mayoral candidate Michelle Wu supported requiring proof of vaccination for city workers and patrons of indoor venues. When Wu became mayor, she announced that the city would drop the testing option and require proof of vaccination for city workers, with a first dose required by January 15 and a second dose by February 15. The city also planned to create its own proof-of-vaccination app, similar to New York City's Key to NYC app.
In January 2022, Boston unveiled a new website called My Vax Records, which allows residents to look up their vaccination information and put it on their phones. However, Governor Charlie Baker stressed that this was not a mandatory vaccine passport and that there were no plans to impose such rules statewide.
By February 2022, Boston began to lift its proof-of-vaccination mandate for patrons and staff of certain businesses and indoor spaces, as COVID-19 cases declined.
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Proof of vaccination for children
As of February 15, 2022, children aged 12 and older must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in Boston. Previously, children in this age group only needed to show proof of one dose. This mandate is part of Boston's "B Together" plan, which requires proof of vaccination for indoor dining, entertainment, recreational and event venues, and indoor fitness centres or gyms. The plan initially gave children one month to get their second dose.
Children aged 5-11 must show proof of one dose starting March 1, and from May 1, everyone aged 5 and older must show proof of full vaccination. Proof can be shown through a CDC vaccination card, a photo of the card, an image of any official immunization record, the City of Boston B Together app, or any other COVID vaccine verification app.
Boston University also has immunization requirements for students, in accordance with Massachusetts law, to protect the health of individuals and the community. Students must submit their immunization documentation one month before the start of their first semester. Required immunizations include the Tdap vaccine (Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis).
Many restaurants in Boston are on board with the "'B Together' plan to ensure the safety of staff and guests. However, some businesses have expressed concerns about the strain of implementing and enforcing these mandates on an already exhausted industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, residents of Boston are required to show proof of vaccination before entering certain indoor spaces. This includes indoor dining areas, indoor fitness facilities, and indoor entertainment venues.
The mandate went into effect on January 15, 2022, and will be rolled out in parts over approximately four months.
The mandate applies to patrons and employees of the businesses. It will eventually include everyone ages five and up.
If someone refuses to show proof of vaccination, they will not be allowed to enter the premises unless they are there for a limited period, such as picking up food or paying a bill. In such cases, they must wear a mask.
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