Philadelphia, PA - Starting Jan. 3, 2022, Philadelphia restaurants will have to begin to require proof of vaccines for patrons. The Philadelphia Mayor said that the new mandate results from rising case counts. The city hopes to roll it back as quickly as possible. In addition, officials expect the fast-growing Omicron variant of the virus to be widespread this winter.
Philadelphia to Require Proof of Vaccine For Indoor Dining
This new policy is in line with the recent policy in New Orleans and San Francisco, which both require proof of vaccination before an individual can dine in an indoor restaurant.
The new Philadelphia health ordinance will require restaurants to require vaccine proof for indoor dining. While children under five are exempt from the requirement, adults will have to show evidence of the vaccination.
In addition, it requires that employees also have proof of vaccination. However, patrons and employees can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of entry for the first two weeks of the mandate. The full mandate will then be inforced as of Jan. 17.
Restaurants and bars will no longer be allowed to serve customers unless proof of vaccination is provided. The new requirements are designed to help reduce the number of infections caused by the virus and prevent a rise in cases. By requiring a vaccination, the city hopes to curb the spread of this covid.
