New York City lifts vaccine requirement for music venues

New York City has lifted its vaccine requirements for entertainment venues.

From 7th March, clubs and live gig spaces, as well as bars, restaurants, and gyms, no longer require proof of vaccination for entry. Some indoor businesses will, however, chose to retain mask and vaccine requirements in place.

It’s the latest development in the city’s “Key to NYC” vaccine passport program. Launched in August 2021, it required entertainment venues, as well as indoor dining, fitness, and recreation facilities to verify both staff and guests aged 5 and older were vaccinated against COVID-19.

The lifting of restrictions was announced on 4th March:

Cases and hospitalisations are declining in New York City, with more than 75% of the city’s residents fully vaccinated.

Speaking at a press conference at Times Square, NYC mayor Eric Adams said: “Two years ago, we were the epicenter of the COVID virus, and two months ago we became the epicenter again under omicron.”

“New Yorkers stepped up,” he added. “They heard the call and they responded. We did the masking, we did the social distancing, we did the vaccinations and boosters shots.”