Philadelphia to require vaccine proof for indoor dining

Philadelphia is the latest large city to require proof of vaccination to dine indoors

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to dine indoors at bars, restaurants, indoor sporting events and other food-related establishments starting Jan. 3, city and public health officials announced Monday.

Public Health Director Cheryl Bettigole said Philadelphia has seen infection rates double in the last few weeks and hospitalizations increase by about 50%.

With colder weather driving people indoors and more holiday gatherings expected, Bettigole and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said the proof of vaccination mandate is meant to decrease the chance of transmission while preventing a shutdown of indoor dining like the closures in 2020, early in the pandemic.

“I don’t want to close our restaurants or other establishments that serve food. I want them to stay open and operate safely,” Bettigole said.