Now children aged FIVE and older will have to show proof of vaccination to be allowed into restaurants and theaters in New York City under Mayor de Blasio's sweeping mandate
New York City on Tuesday began requiring all children aged over five to show proof of vaccination against COVID to enter restaurants and theaters, and take part in 'high -risk extracurricular activities' like sports, band and dance.
The new rule was announced by Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York, on December 6.
Under the scheme all those aged five to 11 must show proof of at least their first COVID vaccination to enter 'indoor dining, fitness, entertainment and performance venues'.
They must also provide proof of vaccination to participate in certain extra-curricular school events.
After Christmas, a second proviso of the policy kicks in, with all New Yorkers aged 12 and older required to show proof of two vaccine doses, instead of one, from December 27.
'We want to protect everyone,' de Blasio said.
Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York City, announced on December 6 that, from Tuesday, all children aged over five must provide proof of vaccination to enter restaurants and theaters
People are seen showing their proof of vaccination as they arrive for a performance of The Lion King on Broadway in September. From Tuesday, all children must also prove that they are vaccinated
Trixie, an eight-year-old resident of the Upper West Side of Manhattan, squirms as she receives her injection on November 9
'We want to protect our youngest New Yorkers. We know omicron had a lot of impact on younger folks.
'We know we need a whole family to be safe, and if the youngest kids are safe that also helps protect our seniors.'
De Blasio leaves office at the end of the month; his successor, Eric Adams, has been noncommittal about his plans.
Tuesday's ruling was welcomed by some, who saw it as a powerful tool to protect all amid a rise in cases.
Citywide, only 78.6 per cent of residents have had at least their first vaccine shot.
In Manhattan, the figure rises to 88 per cent, but in Staten Island and the Bronx - the two boroughs with the lowest vaccination rate - the level falls to 73 per cent.
Among young people, citywide, from 13 to 17, 82 per cent have had at least one dose.
But with children aged five to 12, the rate drops to 31 per cent.
Tuesday's push is designed to counter the low vaccination rate.
Record producers Mike 'Trauma' D. and Jugrnaut, known as Arkatech Beatz, tweeted: 'Here is the kicker, if you want to take your 5 + year old to their favorite restaurant or event space they will have to show proof of vaccination.'
One person suggested it would significantly harm Broadway theaters.
'Lol… can't wait for them to go under.
'Only 16% of kids have been vaccinated. They're ticket sales are gonna TANK.
'Vaccinated or not the large majority does NOT believe in mandates. These liberal controlled cities are going to prove a great point none of this works.'
Another added: 'When Dogma is more important than actual science. Congrats, Broadway!'
One anti-vax mother tweeted: 'Insanity! Finland make it illegal to vaccinate kids under 12 b/c chance of severe adverse reaction significantly higher than severe covid! UK not vaccinating under 12s either! Also if yr child hurt u R own yr own. U have 8% chance of winning financial compensation!'
The UK is currently debating vaccinating children aged 5-11, due to their COVID surge.
New York City has a 3.56 per cent COVID positive rate - a trend that is increasing.
But hospitalizations are stable, and deaths decreasing.
The figures for children aged 5-11 with confirmed COVID cases was unavailable, but New York City's public schools on Tuesday reported 336 students out of a million enrolled, and 122 members of staff, were positive.
The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 hit 800,000 on Tuesday.
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