“Vaccination is the most powerful tool we have to fight this pandemic,” said Wu Monday, announcing the city’s new rules as protesters flowed inside shouting “USA, USA!”
In addition, all city workers will be required to get the vaccine if they want to keep their jobs, Wu said. Workers must have at least one dose by Jan. 15 and two doses by Feb. 15. The new, stricter requirement for city workers eliminates an option for weekly testing in lieu of getting the shot. Roughly 90% of the city’s 18,000 employees are in compliance with the current vaccine mandate, Wu said.
Patrons at the “select” indoor spaces where proof of vaccine will be required for entry will be on the same timeline, Wu said. Children must be vaccinated to enter those same spaces starting in March.
As Wu and city officials spoke Monday, protesters chanted and sang “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Among the protesters was Republican candidate for governor Geoff Diehl, who said Wu’s “mandates are clear violations of the civil rights of anyone who lives in, works in or travels to the city, and will make it even more difficult for Boston’s economy to recover from the pandemic.”
