Is It Time For The U.S. To Mandate COVID Vaccinations?
Everyone wants the same thing, an end to the coronavirus pandemic. The problem is everyone can't agree on how to beat it. The medical world, disease specialists, and scientists agree the COVID vaccine will end the pandemic and lead us to eradicate the virus. However, with so much misinformation about the vaccine, some folks are confused and refusing to get a shot. There is no way we will ever beat the virus if this scenario continues to play out and thousands will keep dying unnecessarily.
As COVID-19 cases skyrocket around the globe some European countries are taking matters into their own hands by mandating proof of vaccination. In July, French President Emmanuel Macron, announced after August 30 proof of vaccination or a negative test will be mandatory for everyone, including kids over 12. To access indoor public places with more than 50 people, all visitors will need to present a "pass Sanitaire" or “health pass.” Vaccination mandates will include restaurants, museums, movie theaters, malls, long-distance trains, and other cultural venues in France.
Days later Italy followed suit and now requires visitors have a “green certification,” to access entrainment places where groups of people gather. It will be mandatory to show proof of at least one dose of the COVID vaccine or a negative test from the past 48 hours to enter public venues such as museums, restaurants, theaters, stadiums, cinemas, gyms, and other leisure activities. Here in the U.S., New York City announced they too will mandate proof of vaccination at all indoor leisure venues.
New York City is the first major city in the United States to mandate proof of COVID vaccinations for workers and customers. Mayor Bill De Blasio introduced the "The Key To NYC Pass" today explaining that everyone will need to have a pass in order to enjoy indoor dining, fitness, entertainment, and performances. The official launch of the mandate will begin on August 16, and proof of vaccination will be enforced starting September 13.
California's by Gov. Gavin Newsom has already issued proof of mandatory COVID vaccination for the states hundreds of thousands of government employees and growing concern over the spread of the Delta variant. Cali's new mandate also includes the two million-plus health care workers in private and public hospitals, nursing homes, and other congregate-care facilities. If new cases continue to climb in the U.S., there is no doubt that more major cities and states will follow Mayor De Blasio and Gov. Newsom's lead.
Is it time for the United States to issue nationwide COVID vaccination mandates or is this going too far? Leave a comment and let us know how you feel about this.