New York City’s PUBLIC Hotel to Introduce Vaccine Mandate

PUBLIC Hotel, Ian Schrager's boutique hotel in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, will require all guests, visitors, and staff to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination upon arrival. It marks the first hotel in New York City to announce such regulations.

The new policy will go into effect Sept. 5.

All guests over 12 years of age will be required to show either a physical COVID-19 vaccine card or vaccine passport before entering.

“In light of the increasing spread of the Delta variant throughout the country, all guests staying at PUBLIC or visiting the hotel’s bars and restaurants will need to show proof of vaccination on arrival, and masks will be required when moving through the communal areas.  Staff working at the property will also be required to have full vaccination,” hotelier Ian Schrager said in a statement.

“With these measures in place our guests will be able to relax, enjoy and experience the hotel and all of the exciting things it has to offer in the knowledge they won’t get sick or make anyone else sick. Indeed, we need to beat Covid-19 together. After all, looking after people is our business. We just didn’t see how to fulfill this responsibility without taking action.”

It comes as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio mandated proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for indoor activities beginning Aug. 16. Full enforcement is set to begin on Sept. 13 and will apply to indoor dining, gyms and indoor entertainment venues.

“If we’re going to stop the Delta variant, the time is now,” said the mayor during last week’s announcement. “This is going to make clear, you want to enjoy everything great in this summer of New York City? Go get vaccinated.”