Somerville Vax Mandate Going Before Board Of Health Friday

SOMERVILLE, MA — The Somerville Board of Health will take up a proposed vaccine mandate at its meeting on Friday that's similar to the one going into effect in Boston this weekend.

Former mayor Joseph Curtatone submitted a proposal to the board last month, but a vote on requiring proof of vaccine at some businesses was postponed to January to give health officials time to monitor the trajectory of COVID-19 cases over the holidays.

The proposal was also met with pushback from some business owners, residents and local officials, who raised concerns about additional staffing costs for businesses. But the city has since consulted small businesses on its proposal, and some have already implemented vaccine requirements on their own, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said.

The aim is to "make sure [businesses] stay open," Ballantyne said.

The order would require proof of vaccination for people entering indoor restaurants; event venues, including movie theaters, concert halls and museums; and gyms and fitness studios. If approved, people ages 12 and over will have to show proof of at least one dose of the vaccine starting Jan. 24.

The mandate would expand in phases – people ages 12 and over must show proof of full vaccination starting Feb. 15 and those in the 5-11 age range would need to show proof of partial vaccination starting March 1. Children ages 5-11 would need to have proof of full vaccination starting May 1.

The Board of Health meeting will be held virtually Friday at 6 p.m.