‘Mad or nah?’: Philly residents react to restaurants requiring proof of vaccination
Tamara Russell, aka P.O.C., hit the streets of Philly to see how residents are feeling about the growing list of restaurants requiring proof of vaccination to dine indoors.
Listen 4:37
Diners eat and drink at the Hungry Rhino restaurant in Windsor Locks, Conn., Friday, March 19, 2021. Beginning today, limits have been lifted at Connecticut restaurants, non-theater indoor recreation centers, libraries, museums, aquariums, gyms and fitness centers, retail shops, offices, personal services establishments and houses of worship. Mask-wearing, distancing and cleaning protocols will still be required. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Just as normalcy appeared within reach, the coronavirus delta variant issued a reminder that the pandemic isn’t over. In Philadelphia, where only 62% of the population is fully vaccinated, positive tests now make up more than 5% of results, a level at which the Center for Disease Control recommends mask-wearing indoors and social distancing.
But many local restaurateurs and bar-owners are taking their mitigation plan a step further: requiring proof of vaccination to dine and drink indoors. Reaction to this news has been mixed, with some praising the regulation as smart business and others framing the new COVID restriction as a form of discrimination.
Related Content
What is a breakthrough COVID infection? How can I avoid it?
Talk of breakthroughs has pushed into the conversation about variants and vaccinations. WHYY’s Health Desk Help Desk asked what we know about them.
3 years ago
Listen 5:08Tamara Russell, aka P.O.C., hit the streets of Philadelphia to further explore how residents are feeling about the growing list of restaurants and bars requiring proof of vaccination to gain entrance.
Get daily updates from WHYY News!
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Part of the series
Mad or nah?
‘Mad or Nah?’ is an original woman-on-the-street interview series from Revive Radio that asks Philadelphians about issues impacting their everyday life.
Part of the series
N.I.C.E. Stories
Collaborative journalism from WHYY and our partners in the News & Information Community Exchange (N.I.C.E.) initiative.
Delaware social service providers prepare for reduction in pandemic-era extra help
Many of the benefits and services made available as a result of the pandemic will be phased out once the Public Health Emergency is lifted.
2 years ago
As threats of COVID and monkeypox loom, college students hope for ‘a fresh start’
College students return to campus this fall as the COVID-19 pandemic and monkeypox outbreaks continue to pose a threat.
2 years ago
Thousands flock to 2nd Street Festival following three-year hiatus
The near mile-long stretch between Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Street saw thousands enjoy food, shopping, and the occasional drink or two.
2 years ago