NEW YORK – New Yorkers will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter indoor businesses such as bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and gyms, according to reports.

Mayor Bill de Blasio was scheduled to announce the new COVID-related restriction on Tuesday, The New York Times reported.

It is believed that such a vaccine requirement would be the first of its kind in the country, according to the New York Times. The policy is modeled on similar warrants issued in France and Italy.

The restriction is de Blasio’s latest attempt to curb a surprising spike in COVID-19 cases linked to the delta variant after the mayor refused to implement an indoor mask mandate for vaccinated and unvaccinated New Yorkers. vaccinated Monday, despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to do so.

During a COVID briefing Monday morning, de Blasio said he “strongly recommends” that fully vaccinated New Yorkers wear a mask indoors, especially around unvaccinated people, but stopped before a mandate in public spaces.

The recommendation was based on science, data and strategy, according to de Blasio. A warrant was not issued because the city’s vaccination rate offers different opportunities, the mayor said.

“Wearing a mask does not replace vaccinations,” de Blasio said.

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