Some big tourism spots, such as New York City, have already had mandates in place for months. But with the highly infectious Omicron variant of coronavirus rapidly spreading, more US cities are introducing restrictions. Washington, DC, announced Wednesday, December 22, that it’s joining that list of places imposing mandates (see more below).
It’s a good thing to keep in mind, especially if you’re traveling from a part of the country that isn’t as strict about masks, testing and vaccines.
As of December 21, here are some of the major US destinations that are already outlining mandates regarding vaccination and testing or have announced plans to do so soon:
Boston
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Monday, December 20, that her city would be requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination for indoor dining, fitness venues, theaters and arenas.
The mandate will apply to patrons and employees and will come online in phases.
Chicago
The nation’s third-largest city will require proof of vaccination for most businesses that serve food or drinks starting January 3, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Tuesday, December 21.
The new requirement will be in effect for anyone 6 and older at restaurants, gyms, theaters, bars, and other entertainment and sporting venues that serve food and drinks, she said in a news conference.
All patrons must be fully vaccinated to enter these establishments, she said, and there will be no testing option. Unvaccinated employees of these venues will have a test-out option, according to Lightfoot.
Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, all customers served in the indoor part of a food or beverage establishment and other types of indoor venues must show proof of full vaccination before entry. Enforcement began on November 29.
New Orleans
Want to drink at a French Quarter bar in New Orleans? You need to have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Down in the Gulf region, foodie and party favorite New Orleans also has a mandate in place.
New York City
The “Key to NYC” mandate has been in effect since September 13 and is being further tightened in December.
Restaurants, movie theaters and other venues are open — but their indoor spaces are open only to vaccinated patrons 12 and older who have had at least one dose of vaccine. Starting Tuesday, December 14, children 5 to 12 must show proof of at least one dose of vaccine.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia has announced it will require proof of full Covid-19 vaccination for admission to many indoor public spaces.
The mandate is set to go into effect starting January 3. For the first two weeks of the mandate, January 3 through 17, establishments may accept proof of a negative Covid-19 test result taken within the past 24 hours instead of proof of vaccination. Starting January 18, only the fully vaccinated may enter.
San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge is the iconic symbol of San Francisco, one of the major tourist destinations in the United States with a vaccine mandate for many indoor activities.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
West Coast travel darling San Francisco requires proof of full vaccination to visit bars, restaurants, gyms and other indoor entertainment establishments for patrons 12 and older.
Seattle
Washington, DC
NEW: Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Wednesday, December 21, that the city will require proof of vaccination for restaurants, gyms and other gathering places for patrons 12 and older.
The vaccine requirement for gathering places will go into effect on January 15, when patrons will be required to show proof of at least one dose.