Arlington Mulling Proof Of Vaccination Policy

ARLINGTON, MA — A proof of vaccination policy similar to the one announced in Boston on Monday could be coming to Arlington.

Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine praised Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for taking the lead on such a requirement. Wu said Monday that proof of vaccination will be required to enter certain indoor spaces, including restaurants, gyms, nightclubs and theaters, starting Jan. 15.

"The virus doesn't recognize municipal boundaries and that is why a regional approach is best," Chapdelaine wrote in an email. "Arlington will be considering adoption of a policy like the one being announced today, and we'll be working with our Board of Health to finalize a decision in the weeks ahead."

Related: Boston To Require Vaccination Proof For Some Indoor Spaces: Wu

Wu said the city will launch the "B Together" initiative, requiring all residents ages 12 and up to show proof of vaccination of at least one dose to enter certain public spaces around the city. "B Together" will be broken into three categories: bars and restaurants, indoor gyms, theaters, nightclubs and sports games.

"We're also setting dates for children to be vaccinated to enter these spaces beginning in March," Wu said.

In addition, Wu said all Boston employees must have at least one dose of the vaccine by Jan. 15, as the weekly testing option will be removed. People will need two doses by Feb. 15.

Acceptable forms of proof will include a CDC vaccination card, a digital image of the card, an image of another official immunization record or a COVID vaccine verification app.