NYC Mayor de Blasio mandates vaccines for private sector employees, tighten restrictions on children
Children between 5-11 will now be required to show proof of vaccine in order to go into certain businesses
New York Democrat Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday morning that he will tighten COVID-19 restrictions on workers and residents in the city as the Omicron variant begins to spread across the U.S.
The outgoing mayor described his plan as a "pre-emptive strike" against the virus. It will include a vaccine mandate for all private sector employees, and will require children ages 5-11 show proof of immunization to dine inside restaurants and participate in other indoor events. At present, only those 12-and-older are required to show proof of vaccine to enter some businesses.
A more detailed announcement is expected later Monday, but the mayor has said the orders will take effect on Dec. 27.