New York City will be the main U.S. metropolis to enforce vaccination requirements for eating indoors, presenting multiple challenges for the restaurant operators across the 5 boroughs. This move comes after the rising cases of the delta variant across the nation.

The city is demanding proof of at least one dose of vaccination for many indoor activities including eating, golf clubs activities, and attending indoor performances in the city. It is mandatory for the employees of these places to be vaccinated. The enforcement of this mandate is scheduled to begin on Sept. 13.

The coverage is gaining momentum, with San Francisco adopting New York’s regulations of vaccination requirements for indoor activities that can come into effect on Aug. 20.

California’s mandate differs a little from New York’s by demanding proof of complete vaccination however allowing two months for employers to confirm the status of their staff. Los Angeles is considering the same plan.

Brian Niccol, Chipotle Mexican Grill CEO, on the matter, stated that the town should decide how the vaccination requirement would apply to the people who cannot be vaccinated due to medical or spiritual reasons. If not, they won’t be noted of the workforce, he added.

It is to be noted that restaurants are resorting to increasing wages and offering bonuses to attract new staff, however, the unemployment rate for consumption and ingesting places was 8.4% across the nation in July, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Art Depole, the co-owner of Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes franchise in Manhattan mentioned that more than half of its staff are vaccinated. However, he is witnessing vocal pressure from his unvaccinated staff. Enforcing the mandates puts the burden on the workers, who need to handle non-compliant clients.

Restaurant operators, however, do have some advantages linked to the vaccine mandate, apart from stopping new Covid cases. For instance, it might restrict staff that decision out sick upon contact with a potentially infected individual.

The mandate might further promote some shoppers who’ve been hesitant to return to dine indoors in restaurants again.

Source Credits:

https://www.pehalnews.in/new-york-city-vaccine-mandate-presents-new-challenges-for-restaurants/989967/