Medford Officials Hint At Following Boston's Vaccine Mandate

MEDFORD, MA — A proof of vaccination policy similar to the one announced in Boston on Monday could be coming to Medford.

Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn praised Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for taking the lead on such a requirement. Wu said Monday that proof of vaccination will be required to enter certain indoor spaces, including restaurants, gyms, nightclubs and theaters, starting Jan. 15.

"It's important that we take a thoughtful approach to our public health strategy and ensure that everyone in our region has equitable access to both testing and vaccines," Lungo-Koehn said in a statement. "It's clear that our most effective tool in keeping our communities safe is getting as many people vaccinated and boosted as possible."

Starting Wednesday, proof of vaccination will be required to enter large-scale entertainment venues in Medford, like the Chevalier Theatre. The order also reinstates the city's mask mandate, but makes an exception for vaccinated people who are sitting inside a restaurant.

Steve Smirti, a spokesperson for the mayor's office, said Lungo-Koehn supports the mandate in Boston and is "working with public health officials in Medford to implement a policy for businesses in the city that will protect patrons and employees."

On Monday, Wu announced the "B Together" initiative, requiring all residents ages 12 and up to show proof of vaccination of at least one dose to enter certain public spaces around the city. "B Together" will be broken into three categories: bars and restaurants, indoor gyms, theaters, nightclubs and sports games.

"We're also setting dates for children to be vaccinated to enter these spaces beginning in March," Wu said.

In addition, Wu said all Boston employees must have at least one dose of the vaccine by Jan. 15, as the weekly testing option will be removed. People will need two doses by Feb. 15.

Acceptable forms of proof will include a CDC vaccination card, a digital image of the card, an image of another official immunization record or a COVID vaccine verification app.