Philadelphians will soon be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test in order to enter indoor bars, sporting events, restaurants and other venues, officials announced Monday.
Both customers and employees will be subject to the requirement starting January 3, but the option for a negative test is only temporary. For the first two weeks, people will be able to show a negative test from the last 24 hours in order to enter, but proof of full vaccination for all will be mandated starting January 17.
The new measure was announced as the Pennsylvania city has seen infection rates double in recent weeks and hospitalizations grow by about 50 percent, according to Public Health Director Cheryl Bettigole. Bettigole and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said the requirement is meant to help prevent additional spread of the virus and another indoor dining shutdown as more people remain indoors to escape the winter weather and ahead of anticipated holiday gatherings.
“I don’t want to close our restaurants or other establishments that serve food. I want them to stay open and operate safely,” Bettigole said.
Philadelphia is not the first to impose such a measure in the hopes of curtailing infection rates nearly two years into the pandemic, joining cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday a sweeping measure that took effect Monday and requires all indoor public places to require masks for all or proof of full vaccination, WRC-TV in D.C. reported.
“We shouldn’t have reached the point where we are confronted with a winter surge, especially with the vaccine at our disposal, and I share many New Yorkers’ frustration that we are not past this pandemic yet,” Hochul said.
The measure is set to last through January 15 when the state will determine its next move.