Vaccine Proof At Restaurants? Warren Has Mixed Opinions

WARREN, NJ — New Jersey does not require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to eat at a restaurant. But some eateries around the state have weighed whether they'd like to institute their own rule.

It's Greek to Me in Ridgewood became perhaps the first in the Garden State to require proof of vaccination for guests who want to dine indoors. Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, of Morristown, asked customers for feedback on whether they should get proof from diners.

Warren has a high rate of vaccination. Sixty-six percent of all ages, 80 percent of adults and 93 percent of seniors have been fully inoculated against the virus as of Friday afternoon.

But the idea of requiring proof of vaccination before you dine doesn't rub all in Warren the right way. Warren Patch asked readers whether a requirement of proof would make them more, less or equally likely to dine at such a restaurant. The question received mixed responses.

"No. my health is my business not for everyone else too know!" said Al Rizz.

"Nope..won't be going there! My medical history is none of their business!" said Michele Romano Fanelli.

"I would never go there!" said Amy Gates.

However, some Warren Patch readers said they'd be more likely to patronize a restaurant with a vaccination requirement.

"Absolutely!! I’m vaccinated to end the spread of Covid!" said Kristin Stalo Clapcich.

"I would go! I do hope this causes more people to become vaccinated!!!" said Sara Kharazi Didehvar.

"Much more likely to patronize them," said Barbara Birde Cirella.

Starting Monday, New York City will require proof of vaccination to access indoor restaurants, gyms and performance venues. Children under 12, who aren't eligible for the vaccine yet, will be able to enter indoor venues with their families.

Cases in New Jersey have risen with the emergence of the delta, which accounted for 90.4 percent of infections sequenced in the state over a four-week period ending July 24. The delta variant only accounted for 9.7 percent of New Jersey cases in December.

Hospitalizations in the state increased from 293 on June 28 to 763 as of Wednesday. Fully vaccinated individuals accounted for 18.5 percent of cases (803 of 4,332), three percent of hospitalizations (11 of 378) and no coronavirus deaths (0 of 21) from July 20-26, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.

Patch issued a survey last week, asking New Jersey readers about issues such as potential masking and vaccine requirements. Out of 17,285 responses, 55.8 percent said they would support a vaccine passport to attend events and partake in indoor dining. Out of those responses, 37.5 percent said no, while the rest weren't sure. Read more: Yes Mask Mandate, School Masks, Vaccine Passport: NJ Patch Survey

How do you feel about restaurants requiring vaccination proof? Comment below the article, or join the conversation on Warren Patch's Facebook page.

— With additional reporting by Josh Bakan

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