Next Phase Of Boston's Vaccine Mandate Begins: What To Know

BOSTON, MA — Despite waning support from its neighbors, Boston's vaccine mandate for indoor businesses entered its second phase on Tuesday.

This phase requires people ages 12 and older to show proof of full vaccination before entering indoor spaces like restaurants, bars, nightclubs, fitness centers and entertainment venues. The first phase, which went into effect Jan. 15, required proof of at least one vaccine dose.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has said the requirement will remain in effect until fewer than 95 percent of ICU beds are occupied in Boston, COVID-19 hospitalizations fall under 200 per day and the city averages a community positivity rate below 5 percent over seven days.

The next phase of the proof of vaccination mandate, which requires children ages 5 to 11 to show proof of at least one dose, takes effect March 1.

According to the Department of Public Health, more than 75 percent of people ages 12 and up and 34 percent of children ages 5 to 11 are fully vaccinated in Boston.