Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Monday morning that proof of vaccination will be required to enter indoor venues, such as restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, event venues and other establishments, beginning Jan. 15, 2022.

According to the city’s B Together initiative, people over 12 years old in Boston will be required to show proof of one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Jan. 15 to enter indoor spaces and have until Feb. 15 to show proof of full vaccination, completed with the second dose.

Wu also stated that all city employees must be vaccinated and will no longer have the option to obtain regular weekly testing in place of getting the vaccine. City workers have until Jan. 15 to get the first dose and Feb. 15 for the second dose,unless they have a medical or religious exemption.

According to the City of Boston’s website, verification for proof of vaccination can be done by showing a vaccination card from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a photo of the card, an image of any official immunization record or a COVID vaccine verification app. 

“Vaccination is the most powerful tool we have to fight this pandemic,” Wu said.

As the city sees an uptick in COVID-19 cases with the presence of the Omicron variant, this push seeks to slow the spread. Boston Public Health Commission reported that 68% of the city’s population has been fully vaccinated as of last week. 

“This is a response that is rooted in science and public health,” Wu said.

Boston residents who are looking for vaccine can find appointments here.