New York City
Public Indoor Activity Restrictions

As of August 17th, only vaccinated people in NYC
will be allowed at various public indoor activities.

Click here to learn more about these requirements and the different ways you can prove you have been vaccinated.

Vaccination Requirement For All Working Board Officials

PSAL COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate


As announced on August 20, COVID-19 vaccination will be required for all students and staff participating in high-risk Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) sports during the 2021-22 school year.  This vaccination requirement applies to all participants in high-risk sports, including students (both DOE and charter), Coaches, and Athletic Directors.
High-risk sports include football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, lacrosse, stunt, and rugby.  Vaccination will also be required for participation in bowling, because while not a high-risk sport, it takes place in spaces that require vaccination.
Participants in fall high-risk sports must get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the first day of competitive play, which varies by sport.  Winter and spring PSAL participants have until the beginning of their season to be fully vaccinated.  Participants will be able to use the DOE’s online vaccination portal to upload their vaccination cards.
This vaccine mandate is in alignment with recent New York State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, which state that high-risk sports and extracurricular activities should be virtual or canceled in areas of high community transmission unless all participants are fully vaccinated.

Booster Shot and Third Dose Eligibility

Some people who have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine are now eligible for a booster shot. To receive a booster shot, you must be one of the following:
                • 65 or older
                • 18 to 64 and either have an underlying medical condition or a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure due to their job (for example, health care workers) or where they live or frequently visit (for example, a homeless shelter)
                • Live in a long-term care facility You can only get a booster shot if you received your second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. There are no exceptions to this restriction. It is recommended that people who have received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine receive a third dose as part of their initial vaccine series if they are moderately to severely immunocompromised (meaning they have a weakened immune system). These people should get their third dose at least 28 days after their second shot.
                • COVID-19 Vaccine Third Doses vs. Boosters (PDF)

Vaccination Proof is required for all
Indoor Activities in NYC

People 12 and older in New York City are required to show identification and proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for:
                • Indoor fitness
                   o Includes gyms, fitness centers, fitness classes, pools, dance studios and other indoor fitness studios, such as yoga or Pilates
                • Indoor entertainment and certain meeting spaces
                   o Includes movie theaters, music and concert venues, museums, aquariums and zoos, professional sports arenas, indoor stadiums, convention centers, exhibition halls, hotel meeting and event spaces, performing arts theaters, bowling alleys, arcades, pool and billiard halls, recreational game centers, adult entertainment and indoor play areas.
This requirement — called the Key to NYC — also means employees working at these locations must be vaccinated.
                • Learn how you can get vaccinated for free here.

Proof of Vaccination
For proof of vaccination, you can use:

  • CDC Vaccination Card. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.
  • NYC Vaccination Record or other official immunization record, including from your health care provider. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. If you are unable to get this record, call 311.
  • NYC COVID Safe AppAndroid | iOS. You can upload to this app a photo of your CDC vaccination card or other official record, along with your photo ID.
  • CLEAR Health PassAndroid | iOS. You can use the digital vaccine card option in the CLEAR app if you are 18 and older and are fully vaccinated.
  • Excelsior Pass (or Excelsior Pass Plus). To use this app, you will need the phone number or email address associated with your New York vaccination record. If you are unable to use this app, try one of the other options listed above.