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Philadelphia to require COVID vaccine for indoor dining

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December 14, 2021

Philadelphia is the latest city to require proof of vaccination inside dining establishments. Diners will have to show their vaccination card and a government ID when dining inside starting Jan. 3, 2022, according to an ABC6 report.

"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," Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole told the news channel.

Proof of a negative COVID test may be accepted for the first two weeks of the year, but after January 17, COVID tests may not be used. Exemptions will be given to children under the age of five or people with medical or religious exemptions.

Establishments that seat more than 1,000 people will require children ages 2-5 and those with exemptions to present a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours. COVID-19 infection rates have doubled in the last few weeks and hospitalizations have increased by about 50% in Philadelphia, prompting city leaders to mandate the vaccine in dining venues.