The Key to NYC Vaccine Restrictions May End Next Week

Cannibal Corpse headlined at Brooklyn Steel on February 24; starting next week, music venues may not require proof of vaccination from staff, musicians and fans (photograph by Francesco Marano)

Mayor Eric Adams announced on February 27 that he will repeal New York City’s “Key to NYC" requirements on March 7 if the city continues to “show a low level” of COVID-19 risk. Adams considered terminating the city's vaccination mandate after meeting with his top health advisers and other leaders and observing the steep drop in the number of virus cases and hospitalizations in the city. Adams will formally announce his final decision about the Key to NYC this Friday after reviewing the latest health data.

"New York City’s numbers continue to go down day after day, so, as long as COVID indicators show a low level of risk and we see no surprises this week, on Monday, March 7 we will lift Key to NYC requirements,” Adams stated on Sunday. “This will give business owners the time to adapt and will allow us to ensure we are making the best public health decisions for the people of New York. All other vaccine mandates in New York City will remain in place at this time as they are, and have been, vital to protecting New Yorkers."

The Birthday Massacre at le Poisson Rouge on February 24

The Oz Noy Organ Trio at the Bitter End on February 24

The Key to NYC mandate currently requires dining, entertainment and fitness facilities to ask staff and customers for proof of vaccination for indoor entry. The executive order was issued in 2021 by Adams’s predecessor, former mayor Bill de Blasio. These regulations were “to encourage people to get vaccinated,” Adams said later at a news conference. “I believe we’ve accomplished that.”

State officials report that last week's seven-day average for new cases was fewer than 1,671 for the first time since late July. Other metrics likewise decreased rapidly, including hospitalizations and deaths. Nearly 77 percent of New York City residents are fully vaccinated, including nearly 87 percent of adults, according to city data. Vaccination rates are lower among children, however, where about 56 percent of those ages 5 to 17 are fully vaccinated. Children under 5 are not yet eligible for the vaccines.

Puma Perl & Friends at the 11th St. Bar on February 23

The Joe Taino Trio at Stitch Bar & Blues on February 24 (photograph by Seth Okrend)

Adams suggested that, beyond allowing the Key to NYC executive order to expire, he will end other pandemic protocols in the coming months. In the meantime, he is maintaining several vaccination mandates, including those imposed on municipal workers and all employees of private companies who gather for in-person work. Masks are still mandated in many locations, including on public transportation and in Broadway theaters, homeless shelters, jails and prisons, adult care facilities and healthcare settings.

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The Manhattan Beat covers New York City's live music developments as they happen. All articles are written by Everynight Charley Crespo. All photographs are taken by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise. For a list of Manhattan venues that are presenting live music regularly, swing the desktop cursor to the right of the home page and click on the pop-up tab "Where to Find Live Music." For a listing of upcoming concerts for live audiences, visit The Manhattan Beat's March calendar.