Enforcement Starts For NYC Indoor Vaccine Mandate: What To Know

NEW YORK, NY — New Yorkers are likely already used to pulling out their vaccine proof when heading into a restaurant, gym or bar given a mandate requiring proof of the shot that kicked off in early August.

But starting Monday, a new wave of people will be taking notice of the vaccine-check — inspectors.

Staff from 13 city agencies will head out in all five boroughs to start making sure businesses are following the vaccine mandate, which applies to all indoor bars, movie theaters, museums and other entertainment destinations.

The enforcement comes after a weeks-long "grace period" meant to let the businesses get used to the new rules. And, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio, inspectors will show grace even as they start checking in on the businesses.

"We don't want to fine," the mayor said. "Our goal here is to confirm compliance."

De Blasio insisted last week that the focus won't be put on penalizing businesses who struggled with implementing the new rules, but helping them get it right.

The mandate requires customers to bring their physical vaccine card or show a photo of it through the NYC COVID Safe App or the state Excelsior Pass.

Unlike past coronavirus restrictions, inspectors won't come in the form of NYPD officers. Instead, they will be civilian employees from 13 agencies, including the transportation, buildings and even parks department.

The enforcement comes after a $10 million ad campaign about the rules and outreach to businesses. So far, the mayor said most seem to be complying.

"A lot of places are handling it well," he said.

Still, enforcement won't be without fines altogether. Small businesses could be fined $1,000 or more if they are found not complying with the rules.

Officials will also be on the lookout for customers using fake vaccine cards, an offense that could carry up to a seven-year prison sentence, the mayor has said.

The requirements are the latest push to encourage more New Yorkers to get vaccinated as officials try to quell the spread of the more-contagious delta variant. Encouragement has also come in the form of a $100 incentive, free museum tickets and even limited-edition comic books.

New Yorkers can find more information about the vaccine mandate here.