Philadelphia will require proof of vaccination to dine indoors at restaurants, bars and similar venues starting January 3.
“Any place that sells food or drink to be consumed on-site will have to require that everyone who enters be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole said, per the Epoch Times.
As a grace period, from January 3 to January 17, indoor dining venues may accept proof of a negative test instead of vaccination.
“That negative COVID test must have been for the last 24 hours,” Bettigole continued. “Then, after January 17, negative COVID-19 tests will no longer be accepted and everyone must have completed their primary COVID vaccination series.”
The vaccine requirement also applies to sporting venues, including the Wells Fargo Center. Game-goers will have to show proof of vaccination to watch a Philadelphia 76ers or Flyers game.
“It applies to most of the Wells Fargo Center because people eat throughout the space,” Bettigole said. “We do not want to close our restaurants. So that’s the reason for the vaccine mandate.”
The mandate will also apply to children older than 5 years and 3 months.
