US Cities update travel restrictions due to Omicron

Vaccine and Testing Mandates in Cities Around the US
As we head into the New Year, the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t seem to be abating. Instead, the new Omicron variant and alarming rise in cases here in the U.S. have prompted many of the country’s biggest destination cities to begin new vaccine and testing requirements, requiring proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test in order to enter food and drink establishments, as well as a number of other indoor attractions. Here’s a list of the ones we know will institute or already have instituted these vaccine requirements.

New York City
New York City’s vaccine requirement has been in place since mid-September, but it tightened its Key to NYC regulations on December 27, when it began requiring everyone twelve and older to provide proof of full vaccination instead of partial vaccination in order to enter restaurants, bars, movie theaters and other places.

New Orleans
New Orleans is also one popular destination that has required partial vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter restaurants, bars, music venues and more.

San Francisco
San Francisco’s vaccine mandate has been in place since August 20. It does not offer a COVID-19 testing option but instead requires full vaccination to enter restaurants, bars, gyms and more.

Los Angeles
Los Angeles’ vaccine mandate for eateries has been in place since November 20, while the state of California is currently under a mask mandate for all indoor areas, set to expire on January 15, 2021.

Seattle
Seattle’s vaccine mandate requires patrons in bars, restaurants and indoor sporting events, as well as outdoor sporting events with crowds of more than 500 people, to be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test.

Boston
Beginning January 15, 2022, Boston’s vaccine mandate will apply for anyone over twelve years old visiting a restaurant, bar, theater, gym and sporting arena. Bostonians with partial vaccination can still enjoy these places through February 15, when the mandate will change to require proof of full vaccination instead of partial vaccination.

Philadelphia
The “City of Brotherly Love” will begin its vaccine mandate on January 3, 2022. It applies to any indoor area where food and drink are served, as well as in theaters. The first two weeks of the mandate will also allow those with a recent negative coronavirus test to enter, though that will change on January 18.

Chicago
Beginning January 3, Chicago will begin asking for proof of vaccination for everyone above the age of six at restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters and other entertainment venues. While there is no testing exemption for patrons of these establishments, unvaccinated employees will be exempt provided they test regularly.

Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. was the latest to announce its vaccine mandate. Going into effect on January 15, 2022, the city will require patrons over twelve in indoor public areas, bars and restaurants, gyms and cultural and entertainment venues, except for places of worship and museums, to provide proof of at least partial vaccination. That will change by February 15, when full vaccination will be required.