What you need to know

From early in the new year, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required to eat and drink in indoor restaurants and bars, and in other places such as sports venues and movie theaters, the city announced Monday.

“We know that the most dangerous situation in the pandemic right now is when someone is exposed and around people from other households. This is what happens in indoor restaurants that serve food every day,” said Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole. “Given the case rates we’re seeing, this is an important place to look to reduce our risk.”

So, which places will be affected by the new vaccine mandate and how will it be enforced? Here’s what you need to know:

Indoor eateries must begin checking guest vaccination status by January 3rd, but can choose to accept proof of a negative COVID-19 in lieu of vaccination proof until January 17. To be accepted, the negative test result must be from the past 24 hours. After January 17, a vaccination certificate is required.

» READ MORE: Complete list of places in the Philly area where you must (so far) be able to show proof of vaccination.

Almost everyone. Children under the age of 5 and those with medical or religious exemptions can still dine inside, but they must still show evidence of a negative test if the venue hosts more than 1,000 people, Bettigole said.

This is a city mandate; only Philadelphia County is affected by the new rules.

The vaccine mandate affects every place “where you can eat together indoors,” Bettigole said. That includes:

There are some places that are exempt from the new mandate, including:

Other places aren’t sure yet how the new vaccine mandate will affect them. For example, a representative from Reading Terminal Market said management is working through its options before making a final plan as it sells both groceries and prepared food for consumption on site.

New. City’s vaccine mandate covers indoor dining onlysaid Bettigole. However, some local business leaders said they were concerned about the impact the mandate could have on neighborhood restaurants that don’t have the ability to invest in areas that offer extensive outdoor dining.

“Those who can only eat indoors will bear the brunt of this decision,” Jabari Jones, president of the West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative, told The Inquirer last week.

Jones also expressed concern about the vaccination requirement coming into effect ahead of new legislation making permanent the outdoor eating structures known as streeteries that have sprung up since the start of the pandemic. That legislation will affect some, but not all, areas of the city, and restaurants that are not in pre-approved areas must remove any current dining structures built over parking lots or receive individual approval from the city council to allow them to remain.

» READ MORE: Omicron Variant: What you need to know about vaccine protection, symptoms and more.

From January 3, you must show your vaccination card or a photo of it. Places under the vaccine mandate may also choose to accept negative COVID-19 tests taken in the past 24 hours through January 17. After that, proof of vaccination status is required unless you are part of one of the exempt groups listed above.

If you have lost your vaccination card, you can get an overview of your vaccination status (not necessarily a replacement card) by contacting a number of different agencies – although it depends on where you were vaccinated. You may also be able to get a replacement vaccine card by contacting your vaccination provider – such as a pharmacy chain or health clinic – the CDC says:. Different, says the Pennsylvania Department of Health:, your vaccination booklet is also proof of your vaccination status.

If you have been vaccinated outside of Philadelphia, the PADOH recommends: visiting the Pennsylvania Statewide Immunization Information System website to request a copy of your vaccination booklet. If you are vaccinated in Philadelphia, you can: request your immunization records online through the city’s health department.

In addition, if you have your vaccination card laminated and are getting a booster shot, don’t worry. City clinics can put a sticker on it with your booster information if you get one, or maybe replace the card entirely, the city notes online.

City will enforce vaccine mandate in the same way as other COVID-19 related mandates and policiesBettigole said — meaning it will be done through regular food inspections, as well as complaints filed through the city’s 311 service.

“As with all of our COVID regulations and mandates, if you see a facility that is not adhering to the rules, please call 311 and we will send inspectors to inform them of the new mandate and enforce it if necessary” said Bettigole. said.

Enforcement of the mandate could include fines of up to $2,000 a day for companies found to be in violation, although Bettigole said the city is “hoping not to get there,” preferring to use education-based strategies first. .

» READ MORE: Live Your Best Life in Philly: Read our most helpful stories here.