New York City requires private sector to implement vaccine mandate by Dec. 27

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - All private sector employers in New York City are required to implement a COVID-19 vaccine mandate by Dec. 27, authorities said Monday.

The mandate will apply to roughly 184,000 businesses, the New York City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi announced on Twitter.

He said vaccine proof will be required for indoor dining, fitness and entertainment for children aged 5-11, starting from Dec. 14.

"We’re also now requiring two mRNA vaccine doses for New Yorkers over age 12, up from one, starting December 27," he added.

"Children ages 5 to 11 will be required to get vaccinated to participate in high-risk extracurricular activities, including sports, band, orchestra and dance. This requirement for the initial vaccine dose will take effect on Dec. 14," he wrote.

With the decision, the US' most populated city becomes the first in the country to impose a vaccine mandate for the private sector.

Mayor Bill De Blasio also announced Monday more than 12.6 million vaccine doses are administered in New York City, but there were 109 new hospitalizations and 1,879 new cases.

"We need to take very bold action. We're seeing restrictions starting to come back. We're seeing shutdowns," he said. "We cannot let those restrictions come back. We cannot have shutdowns in New York," he said at a press conference.

"The more universal they are, the more likely employees will say okay, it's time. I'm going to do this. Because you can't jump from one industry to another or one company to another. It's something that needs to be universal to protect all of us," he added.