The City of Boston is taking effect immediately its proof of COVID vaccination mandate for patrons and employees of restaurants, gyms and other indoor entertainment venues.
Mayor Michelle Wu and the city's executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, announced the change in a statement Friday evening, citing improved data around COVID cases and hospital capacity.
Earlier this month, as infections were dwindling from the peak of the micron growth, Wu announced that his administration would lift the vaccine requirement if three of the city's health metrics fell below a certain level, on a weekly average. : Less than 95% adult ICU beds occupied, less than 200 daily COVID hospitalizations and citywide positive test rate less than 5%.
As of Friday evening, the city's health data showed that Boston had met those three benchmarks, including a 4% positive test rate.
"The public health data shows that we are prepared to take this step in our recovery," Wu said in the statement. "This news highlights how much progress we have made in our fight against COVID-19 thanks to vaccines and boosters - which have always been our most effective weapons against the pandemic."
The repeal of the mandate comes just days after the second phase went into effect Tuesday, which requires employees and patrons aged 12 to show proof that they were fully vaccinated.
"It's a victory for every Bostonian who has done their part to keep our communities safe, and we have to keep going," Wu said. "I want to thank all of our small businesses who are working to keep our communities healthy during challenging times."
For now, the city's indoor mask mandate remains in place. However, the statement added that the Boston Public Health Commission and the city's health board will also review that policy "in the coming days."