As COVID-19 continues its yet another surge in the city, all Philadelphia-area restaurants, eateries and bars will begin requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for eating and/or drinking in their indoor establishments starting next month, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole announced today. All restaurant workers also must be vaccinated.

The plan’s rollout will begin on Monday, Jan. 3 and will initially also allow a recent negative COVID-19 test from patrons (made within the last 24 hours), to be able to be served at a restaurant or bar. However, starting Jan. 17, the negative test will no longer be accepted by restaurants for most patrons. The exception includes children younger than 5 and people with valid medical or religious exemptions.

Any place that sells food or drink to be consumed on-site has to comply with this mandate, including movie theaters, cafes, sports venues, catering halls, and others.

Restaurants patrons and workers will have to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID, which means that they have completed their primary COVID-19 vaccination series (booster shots are not yet required).