6abc Action News | by 6abc Digital Staff
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole announces a vaccination requirement for indoor dining establishments beginning in January 2022.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia officials announced Monday that proof of a COVID-19 vaccine will soon be required to eat inside a restaurant or food establishment.
The rollout begins January 3, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole said.
“Any place that sells food or drink to be consumed on-site will have to require that everyone who enters be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” she said.
For the first two weeks, January 3 to January 17, establishments may choose to accept proof of the negative COVID test in lieu of proof of vaccination.
“That negative COVID test must have been for the last 24 hours,” Bettigole said. “Then, after January 17, negative COVID-19 tests will no longer be accepted and everyone must have completed their primary COVID vaccination series.”
Officials said the mandate applies at places where people can eat together indoors, like indoor restaurants, bars, sports venues – including the Wells Fargo Center, movie theatres, catering halls and cafes.
Examples of places where the vaccine mandate will not apply include schools and daycares, hospitals, grocery stores and convenience stores and soup kitchens and other sites that serve vulnerable populations.
According to data from the Action News Data Journalism Team, 75.8% of Philadelphia residents aged 18 and older are fully vaccinated.
