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Image of City of Boston by Wit Suphamungmee from Flickr
On Monday, December 20, 2021, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced a new policy requiring proof of vaccinations for people seeking to enter indoor dining, entertainment and fitness locations.
Phase I, the first of several steps of the policy, will begin to be implemented on January 15, 2022, when people aged 12 and over must show proof of at least one vaccination shot to entered a covered establishment.
Phase II takes effect on February 15, 2022 and requires people aged 12 and over to show proof of fully completing a vaccination series, which can be one or two shots.
Phase III takes effect on March 1, 2022 and requires individuals aged 5 to 11 to present proof of vaccination with at least one shot.
Phase IV takes effect on May 1, 2022, and requires individuals aged 5 to 11 to present proof of fully completing a vaccination series, which can be one or two shots.
Proof of vaccination can be demonstrated by either a digital or physical copy of the official vaccination record. Enforcement can include up to $300 per violation.
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There are, however, exceptions for certain people, but those persons must still wear face masks. Exceptions are provided for:
- Individuals entering for a quick and limited purpose (e.g.,using the restroom, placing/picking up an order/service, making a delivery, or performing necessary repairs);
- A performing artist who will be performing, but is not regularly employed, by the indoor dining, entertainment or fitness establishment
- A professional athlete/sports team entering the premises as part of the athlete's/team's regular employment to compete
- An individual who accompanies a performing artist or professional athlete/sportsteam into the indoor dining, entertainment or fitness premises as part of their regular employment, as long as the artist/athlete/team will be performing/competing.
Some indoor establishments are also excepted from the new policy. They are:
- Pre-kindergarten through grade twelve (12) public and non-public schools and programs
- Child care programs
- Senior centers and community centers
- Locations in a residential or office building where the use is limited to residents, owners, or tenants of that building
- Colleges or universities that have a vaccination requirement covering staff and students
- Any other site that is otherwise not open to the general public
A copy of the Temporary Order setting forth the new policy is available here.
