Will Boston’s proof of vaccination mandate be lifted as businesses adjust to the second phase?

BOSTON — Boston’s proof of vaccination mandate moved to the next level today. People are now required to show proof of two COVID-19 vaccination shots. This coming as other major cities are lifting similar safety protocols.

Running a small business in Boston can be challenging but when you throw a global pandemic into the mix. It has been whirlwind for some owners like Zia Gianna owner Nino Barbalace. “We had to re-invent ourselves and we changed the menu and everything.  Thank God we survived,” Barbalace said.

Boston’s proof of vaccination mandate now requires businesses to check for two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.  But Mayor Michelle Wu on Tuesday telling us the three benchmarks she set to lift this protocol are almost there. “If the numbers continue along the trends we are seeing we could see this policy lifted even in the next few days or so,” said Wu.

The Mayor understands people are frustrated seeing so many other areas lift their mandates.  But she says being in a major city with some of the best healthcare in the world — it is the city’s responsibility to help take the strain off hospitals. “We have an obligation to ensure those hospitals and front line health workers who have given so much during this pandemic have the support they need,” said Wu.

People in general seem to be on both sides of how much is too much. “I think it should be the same for all the states. If everyone is doing it, it should be the same. Lift the mandates,” a woman said.  “I think it is good to be extra cautious. It’s better than backsliding into the lockdown again,” another woman said.

Some small business owners are hoping more restrictions are lifted as they fight to keep going. “That will make our life easier. We are happy the numbers are going down for our own safety. We are exposed to the public every day,” said Barbalace

The mayor’s office says they were getting the health benchmark data twice a week. Now it is five days a week. Monday through Friday.  So the decision on moving forward could happen any day.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2022 Cox Media Group