Bill de Blasio’s Ultimatum: Parents, ‘Get Your Child Vaccinated’ or He Cannot Go to Indoor Restaurants

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) issued an ultimatum to parents Monday, warning them that their children, ages 5-11, will not be able to participate in “great things” such as dining in indoor restaurants or going to entertainment venues if they do not show proof of vaccination.

The far-left mayor on Monday announced a series of new vaccine mandates for the city, describing the moves as a “preemptive strike” in the face of the winter months, holiday gatherings, and the omicron variant. Currently, New York City has a vaccine passport program in place, which requires certain private businesses to discriminate against unvaccinated individuals by denying their entry into the establishments. That discrimination will now extend to children ages 5-11, beginning December 14.

“We need to see a lot more,” de Blasio said of children getting vaccinated. He said 127,000 of New York City children in that age range have gotten vaccinated in the last few weeks, or a little more than 19 percent. However, he said that is “not enough.”

“We need to see kids getting vaccinated in that age group. Parents, we need you to step up for the good of your children, your family, all of us. Go get your child vaccinated. So we’re going to include them in the Key to NYC Pass, but only one dose required,” he noted, as he raised the requirement to two doses for everyone 12 and older.

De Blasio briefly bragged about the vaccination efforts in the city — namely, the second round of vaccination drives in elementary schools. On that note, the mayor added that his administration is also expanding the vaccine mandate for “high-risk extracurricular activities” — bands, sports, orchestra, dance, etc. — applying to 5-11-year-olds as well.

“This is something that is going to keep kids safe and families safe. Go get your child vaccinated. As long as they’ve gotten that first dose by December 14, they can continue to participate [in] indoor dining, entertainment, all these great things,” he said, issuing the ultimatum.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in the 24 states reporting, as well as New York City, “0.1%-1.9% of all their child COVID-19 cases resulted in hospitalization.” Further, in 45 states reporting, as well as New York City, Puerto Rico, and Guam, “children were 0.00%-0.24% of all COVID-19 deaths, and 6 states reported zero child deaths.”

“In states reporting, 0.00%-0.03% of all child COVID-19 cases resulted in death,” AAP added.