A growing group of Massachusetts towns and cities are planning to follow Boston's lead in implementing vaccine requirements for indoor recreational venues.
Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said he will present a plan to the city’s Board of Health on Tuesday night that would require people show proof of vaccination for indoor venues including restaurants, gyms and movie theaters.
The outgoing mayor said his proposal will largely replicate the plan announced Monday by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu to require proof of vaccination in a phased-in process, starting with people age 12 and up. The proposal exempts people who are entering a venue only briefly, such as getting a take-out order, or who are on the premises for a limited purpose, such as making a delivery.
“Vaccines work,’’ Curtatone said. “We need to make sure we do everything we can.”
Among other communities taking action, the Salem Board of Health will meet Wednesday to vote on a proposal to require vaccines in certain businesses and reinstitute a mask requirement, city officials said.
Arlington Town Manager Adam W. Chapdelaine said the town will also considering a proposal over the next few weeks that is similar to Boston’s approach.
“I am very grateful for Mayor Wu's leadership on this issue,’’ Chapdelaine said. “The virus doesn't recognize municipal boundaries, and that is why a regional approach is best. “
Amidst growing concern about the omnicron variant, Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday urged state residents to wear masks indoors, but resisted implementing an official requirement.
Curtatone, who chairs the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition of 15 cities and towns surrounding Boston, echoed others who are frustrated that there hasn’t been a more regional response to the pandemic. His city implemented a mask mask requirement for indoor public spaces in August.
“Our borders are not impermeable,’’ he said. “In the absence of [state mandates], we can't abdicate our responsibility.”
