Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Monday the city will implement a proof of vaccine requirement for restaurants and other indoor venues.

The proof of vaccination requirement for indoor venues, including restaurants, fitness centers and entertainment venues, will begin on Jan. 15 for everyone ages 12 and older, according to a City of Boston press release. All city employees will also be required to prove vaccination unless granted a medical or religious exemption.

“Vaccines are the most powerful tool we have to fight this pandemic,” Wu said in the press release. “Vaccination saves lives, and closing vaccination gaps is the best way to support and protect our communities, businesses, and cultural institutions during this pandemic.”

“The vast majority of COVID-related hospitalizations are of unvaccinated individuals, which is impacting our entire healthcare system and compromising the health of our communities,” Wu added.

Roughly 79% of the total Boston population has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 68% are fully vaccinated, according to the press release. Only 31% of the city’s residents have received the booster.

COVID-19 cases have surged in Boston with new positive cases increasing 89% compared to two weeks ago and daily new cases averaging 369, the press release said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday that 73% of cases reported during the week from Dec. 12-18 were the Omicron variant.

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