Key To NYC & Vaccination Proof – A Guide and Resources for Your Business

Resources, Posters, Guidelines for You and Your Staff

As of August 17, people 12 and older are required to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO to enter fitness gyms, movie and stage theatres, museums and other indoor venues. Staff at these locations are also required to be vaccinated.

Mayor de Blasio said his executive order begins Tuesday, August 17 with enforcement going into effect on Monday, September 13 and there will be $1,000 fines for failure to comply with the vaccine mandate, starting September 13. Fines will increase for repeat offenses.

Specific Businesses That Must Comply

• Indoor dining
  • Includes restaurants, catering halls, event spaces, hotel banquet rooms, bars, nightclubs, cafeterias, grocery stores with indoor dining, coffee shops and fast food or quick service with indoor dining

• Indoor fitness
  • Includes gyms, fitness centers, fitness classes, pools, indoor studios and dance studios

• Indoor entertainment
  • Includes movie theaters, music and concert venues, museums, aquariums and zoos, professional sports arenas, indoor stadiums, convention centers, exhibition halls, performing arts theaters, bowling alleys, arcades, pool and billiard halls, recreational game centers, adult entertainment and indoor play areas

Proof of Vaccination

For proof of vaccination, customers/patrons can use:

• CDC Vaccination Card. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.

• NYC Vaccination Record or other official immunization record from within or outside the U.S., including from your health care provider. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.

• NYC COVID Safe App Android | iOS.

• NYS Excelsior Pass 

Resources and Information to Help Your Business Comply with New Requirement

If your business is covered by this requirement, you are required to check the vaccination status of all staff and customers/patrons 12 and older. You may not permit entry to anyone 12 and older who has not received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. You can make an exception for allowing customers to use the bathroom or for another reason that will take a small amount of time (for example, less than 10 minutes).

To prepare for this policy:

• Place the Vaccination Required Poster for Businesses (PDF) in a place that is clearly visible to people before they enter your business.

• Become familiar with the accepted proofs of vaccination listed above.

• Develop a written implementation plan that will be available for inspection. This should include how you will check the vaccination status of staff and customers before they enter — or immediately after they enter — your business.

• Help your staff get vaccinated: Consider hanging posters about the COVID-19 vaccines in break rooms and provide information about where to get vaccinated.

If you are a small business and have questions about this policy, call NYC Department of Small Business Services hotline at 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).

Report a Fake Record

If you suspect someone is trying to use a fake proof of vaccination, you can:

• Call 311 or file a complaint online
• Call 833-VAX-SCAM (833-829-7226)
• Email STOPVAXFRAUD@health.ny.gov

Additional Resources for you Business

• Vaccination Required Poster for Businesses (PDF)

• Key to NYC Business Flyer (PDF)

• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, August 20)

• Small Business Services Guides
  • Key to NYC: Entertainment (PDF)
  • Key to NYC: Fitness (PDF)
  • Key to NYC: Indoor Dining (PDF)

Reasonable Accommodations and Avoiding Discrimination Complaints

Indoor dining, fitness and entertainment venues must accept valid proof that customers/patrons have received at least one dose of any vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO. This requirement may not be used as an excuse for businesses to discriminate against anyone who has valid vaccination proof.

Customers/patrons have a right to be free from discrimination or harassment.

For questions about reasonable accommodations, including those for medical conditions, see:

• Key to NYC: Guidance for Customers and Employees on Equitable Implementation

• Key to NYC: Guidance for Businesses on Equitable Implementation

Complete Guide to Key to New York Guidelines via NYC Health – Click HERE