Today, the "Key to NYC" program goes into effect, which requires the following indoor entertainment, indoor dining and indoor fitness establishments to check vaccination records of staff and customers ages 12 and older:
Indoor Entertainment
  • Movie theaters
  • Live music
  • Concert venues
  • Museums & galleries
  • Aquariums and zoos
  • Professional sports arenas
  • Stadiums
  • Convention centers
  • Exhibition halls
  • Performing arts theaters
  • Bowling alleys
  • Arcades
  • Pool and billiard halls
  • Recreational game centers
  • Casinos
  • Adult entertainment
Indoor Dining
  • Restaurants
  • Catering halls
  • Event spaces
  • Hotel banquet rooms
  • Bars
  • Cabarets
  • Nightclubs
  • Cafeterias
  • Grocery stores with indoor dining
  • Bakeries
  • Coffee shops
  • Fast food / quick service with indoor dining

Indoor Fitness Establishments
  • Gyms
  • Fitness centers
  • Fitness classes
  • Pools
  • Indoor studios
  • Dance studios
  • Sports classes
Proof of vaccination includes the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Card (hard copy or clear photo copy), the NYC COVID Safe App, which can be used by tourists and others who were vaccinated outside New York (Android | iOS), the New York State Excelsior Pass, or an official immunization record from outside NYC or the United States.
Establishments will be required to maintain written records so that inspectors can review how they are implementing and enforcing the mandate. Additionally, businesses must post this sign (or a similar sign following specific design requirements) in a visible place near the entrance(s) of the establishment.

On Monday, September 13, the City will begin assessing fines of $1,000 - $5,000 per offense to establishments that are failing to comply with this vaccination mandate.

Click here for FAQ on the Key to NYC Program and here for a checklist for your business. For more information on the Key to NYC Program, click here. Photo credit: The State of New York
COMMUNITY ALERTS
Mobile Vaccine Van at Lincoln Center
There is a mobile vaccine van at West 62nd Street and Columbus Avenue open from 8:00am - 6:00pm today through Friday, August 20. Click here to find additional vaccine locations.
Win Free Tickets to the Metropolitan Opera's Summer HD Festival
The Met’s popular Summer HD Festival returns, featuring ten free encore presentations of past Live in HD transmissions, as well as a special screening of Susan Froemke’s The Opera House. The screenings are free and open to the public at Damrosch Park from Friday, August 27 through Monday, September 6. Seating is limited. There will be first-come-first serve general admission before each performance, or enter to win tickets ahead of time through the TodayTix Lottery.
COVID-19 Booster Shot Authorized for Immunocompromised
The New York Department of Health has authorized a 3rd COVID-19 vaccine dose for New Yorkers with compromised immune systems, following the CDC's recommendation. Eligible New Yorkers can receive their 3rd dose 28 days after the completion of their two-dose vaccine series, effective immediately. Learn more here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare Workers
By Monday, September 27, all healthcare workers in New York will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes staff at hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, adult care and other congregate settings. Click here for more information.
NYC Tourism is Back Kick Off Event
The Lincoln Square BID is sponsoring New York City Guide's NYC Tourism is Back, Start Spreading Your News, a celebration of the return of tourists and an event to bring industry professionals together at One World Observatory on Monday, August 30 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Learn more here.