Boston officials said the city plans to create its own proof-of-vaccination app, modeled after the Key to NYC app in New York City. Boston has been undergoing a major surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks. Following FDA regulatory action, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. The U.S. CDC determines level of community transmission based on the number of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 people and the percentage of tests in the last 7 days that have a positive result. But just before our interview Vilkhu fielded a call from White House. COVID-19 VACCINATION All who are vaccinated may travel to Maine without restriction from any state within the U.S. View the CDCs public health recommendations for fully vaccinated peoplehere. While general customer reaction has been net positive as evidenced by a bump in reserved tables, Malin said there has also been significant backlash from the community, to the point he disabled the ability for commenters to post on parts of the restaurants Instagram page. 2023 Visit Portland. Its something I think about every day, he said. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Call1-855-608-5172 to reserve a ride at least 48 hours in advance of your appointment. The proof of vaccination requirement for indoor venues will go into effect starting Jan. 15 for everyone ages 12 and up. Tests are paid for by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and are offered free of charge. Overall, the reaction has been positive. % The COVID-19 federal public health emergencya separate declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services from January 2020remains in effect for now. Produced by Will Reid and Michael Simon Johnson. We card people all the time. "The idea of a restaurant is a place for . With more vaccine mandates in Maine, you may need proof that you're Children ages 611 years can get either a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna booster. Most communicate the requirement to diners when they book a reservation. In fact, Volk said, the restaurant's bar had its busiest weekday ever the day after she and her business partner spoke to local media about the vaccine requirement. New Hampshire corrections officers on leave after psychiatric unit death, Supreme Court to consider case involving fishing boat monitor pay, Overnight rain and wind leaves Mainers with flooding and power outages, first cases of the highly contagious omicron variant, 'The Finest Christmas Tree' stems from Somerville, Maine, NHL pauses cross-border games, shuts down 6th team, Millinocket Marathon & Half event gave big boost to businesses, Indoor dining, including bars and restaurants, Indoor entertainment, recreational and event venues, including theater shows or sports games. FILE - Maine Gov. Several restaurants in Portland are calling on local officials to institute a vaccine mandate. Instead, when the restaurant opens in October, it'll require guests to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of dining. All people aged 6+ months are eligible for vaccination. "It's not a refusal of service for anybody," she said. State House News Service contributed to this report. Maine will also eliminate physical distancing requirements indoors, other than in settings in which people are. Every business is different. The U.S. CDCs COVID-19 Community Levels by County map can be viewed here. Use our website to find accommodations in Greater Portland and throughout the state of Maine. Asked if that move was validating to him, Malin replied that he is not looking for validation in this, Im just looking to avoid another COVID shutdown for our restaurant, and that believed his move was in the best interest of community health. Wu's office said those communities, along with Arlington and Cambridge, are also working to advance their own vaccine requirements. Vaccine News | NewsCenterMaine.com | newscentermaine.com They should receive their second dose at least 21 days and up to eight weeks after the first dose. COVID Vaccine: Showing proof of vaccination is not new in New England Everyone has a picture of their vaccine card on them and-or the vaccine card on their person, and everyone feels more comfortable and much more able to relax and much more at ease knowing that everyone else inside is vaccinated. This includes people who have received all primary series doses and people who have previously received one or more original (monovalent) boosters at least 2 months ago. Find a Treatment Site Expertise: restaurant technology and operations. Several Portland, Maine, restaurants have decided to only allow people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to eat in their dining rooms. endobj Learn more. "It is hard to describe how disinterested we are in prying, even in this minimal way, into the medical history of our guests," reads an Instagram post from San Francisco's Zuni Cafe announcing its vaccine mandate for indoor dining. "There is nothing more American than coming together to ensure that we are taking care of each other, that each and every one of our community members is safe and healthy and has access to the future and opportunities they deserve.". and even singing lyrics from "The Star-Spangled Banner," including the line, "O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave." "This is just one step in an aggressive approach the city has already been working hard to implement," Wu said. At times the chanting made it difficult for those at the podium to hear themselves speak. COVID-19 treatment is available for people who are at risk for severe disease. And in my mind, that means making sure people know that they're protected," he said. We're ready to take this step forward to protect our residents.". "The idea of a restaurant is a place. Learn more. Maine: State-by-State COVID-19 Guidance | Husch Blackwell Beginning Feb. 15, everyone will have to show proof of two doses. Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise. Gado Gado is one of several Portland restaurants requiring proof of vaccination (in this case, for their indoor seating only). This is just another way of carding, Volk said. xY]oH}G?G{UTU & ^b(R]p*;vH13.09s;gLtA \/Y"/iX-?rW5l?%,@AYXv;nB2v@IJH -8op6_'u H>t;1N23V0hN?Q(/N(`%Rzxp0m#TI-B9KYR[IaXr,TD[&B|rCc!SAQ+MWSGhMjj}#Mc{xVh)eJsj*>u6FWs9}I~B)?aoY],L<4e+b7pdC>x&R&|_p^g/=lPC1Gfb }aA#D*_hnt#?KF 3|#Ft5u0KB x]nCiCVGlG.S:W. Experience: Kristen Hawley has nearly two decades of experience in the media industry. Tests are free of charge and results are generally available in as little as one hour. Instead, when the restaurant opens in October, it'll require guests to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of dining. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Our HR department has a verification system, and we already have set up the record-keeping infrastructure for this, Porter said. On the heels of Boston and New York deciding to implement COVID-19 vaccine requirements to eat indoors at restaurants, a group of eateries in Portland, Maine, is hoping city leaders will implement that type of mandate. The Portland Hunt and Alpine Club, Crown Jewel and Little Giant have all recently said that anyone who eats at their establishments indoors must have received the shots. "It's an experience and you just can't get that unless you're able to participate," he said. Si vous ne souhaitez pas que nos partenaires et nousmmes utilisions des cookies et vos donnes personnelles pour ces motifs supplmentaires, cliquez sur Refuser tout. Lawmakers hear testimony on bills to lift COVID vaccine mandates Unvaccinated customers can still dine on the patio. I have young kids that are not eligible. Masks are not required outdoors, but those visiting Portland, Maine are required to wear masks indoors in public areaswith an exception for businesses that require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all who enter. ", In New Orleans, Ashwin Vilkhu, chef-owner of Saffron NoLa, says he felt a sense of community responsibility to require vaccination or a recent negative test. Get answers for frequently asked questions about vaccinations here. The majority of them only apply to state and local governments, meaning private businesses can mandate vaccination for customers. As of this writing, businesses are on their own when it comes to enforcing their vaccination and COVID testing requirements. MACDOUGAL: Honestly, I haven't gotten any - I haven't had any problems. She's the founder of Expedite, a weekly restaurant technology newsletter highlighting news and big ideas about the future of the restaurant industry. (Effective January 5, 2022) The City Council voted unanimously to implement a mask mandate for the city of Portland. The proof of vaccination requirement for indoor venues will go into effect starting Jan. 15 for everyone ages 12 and up. Many doctors offices and health care networks have copies of patients immunization records, including for COVID-19. <> April 21, 2023. City employees, contractors and volunteers are currently required to provide either proof of vaccination or a weekly negative test result. ISAAC MACDOUGAL: So I have been operating very, very cautiously throughout this entire pandemic in an effort to kind of build a clientele and create a space that felt safe for everybody.