In response to rising Covid-19 cases, the city of Boston will soon be requiring both staff and customers of indoor businesses to give proof of their vaccinations against the virus.
Democratic Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced the new mandate on Monday, saying it will go into effect for all indoor businesses in the city on January 15. It was part of what the mayor dubbed the ‘B Together’ initiative in response to a spike in Covid cases.
City workers will no longer be given the option of weekly testing and will instead be mandated to get inoculated amid an Omicron wave hitting the city. According to the mayor, over 90% of city employees are already vaccinated.
“The vast majority of Covid-related hospitalizations are of unvaccinated individuals, which is impacting our entire health care system and compromising the health of our communities,” she said at an event where she was reportedly met with anti-mandate protesters, some chanting, “Shame on Wu.”
Crowd of protesters interrupts @MayorWu news conference where she announces vaccine requirements for indoor spaces in Boston #wcvb Video ctsy @MarkT617 pic.twitter.com/9KpDFjoypC
— Sharman Sacchetti (@SharmanTV) December 20, 2021
Protesters in lobby of Boston City Hall as Mayor Michelle Wu announces newly strengthened COVID vaccination mandate for city employees, plus proof of vax requirement for customers & workers at restaurants, gyms, theaters, sports venues. #wbz pic.twitter.com/UdPGV1nb9U
— Christina Hager (@HagerWBZ) December 20, 2021