Why Some Restaurants Are Starting To Require Proof Of Vaccination
In the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines and accurate information have been difficult to set and follow. Earlier this year, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rolled back mask requirements for vaccinated people. However, on July 27, the CDC changed the guidelines again suggesting that it would be safer for vaccinated people to wear masks indoors, where the setting is highly conducive to transmitting the virus. Obviously, that has serious implications for restaurants.
Earlier this year, in February, CNN reported that indoor dining could be risky if the restaurant did not have good airflow and if the interior was crowded. Extended time in such a setting could increase the potential risk of exposure. Yet restaurants continued to open up as more people got vaccinated. That return to normalcy is quickly changing, though. Now that the Delta variant has become a dominant strain in some hotspots, some restaurants are changing their guidelines in an attempt to help curb the spread (via NPR).
These states are where the new requirement has been popping up
Many restaurants across the U.S. are now requiring guests to provide proof of vaccination. On July 28, news sources in cities from Massachusetts to Washington state alerted their residents to the new changes at select restaurants. St. Louis Today, the Boston Globe, Seattle PI, and New York City's Eater were among the publications to announce the new policy in their cities. Though mask mandates have not officially been reinstated in many cities or states, restaurants are leading the way to try to slow the spread of the Delta variant by requiring proof of vaccination.
Those who cannot provide legitimate proof or a negative COVID-19 test, just might be asked to leave. Some are enacting the new policy as early as August 1. So, if you live in one of these cities, you might want to check the social media pages of your favorite restaurants and bars. You could also keep your negative test or vaccination card handy just in case. For those living in other cities, look for such policies to potentially make their way to your local haunts as well.