Ian Schrager has mandated that all guests, visitors and staff to his PUBLIC hotel in downtown Manhattan will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon arrival. This is the first hotel in New York City to introduce such regulations.
The policy will come into effect from Sept. 5, and all guests over 12 years of age will be required to show either a physical COVID-19 vaccine card or vaccine passport before entering.
“The health, safety and well-being of our guests and staff is the only thing that matters to us,” said Schrager. “Naturally, we will do everything and anything we can possibly do to protect them. After all, we have been entrusted to look after them while they are with us. We take that responsibility to heart. With these measures in place, our guests will be able to relax, enjoy and experience the hotel and all of the exciting things it has to offer in the knowledge they won’t get sick or make anyone else sick. Indeed, we need to beat COVID-19 together. After all, looking after people is our business. We just didn’t see how to fulfill this responsibility without taking action.”
In light of the increasing spread of the Delta variant throughout the country, all guests staying at PUBLIC or visiting the hotel’s bars and restaurants will need to show proof of vaccination on arrival, and masks will be required when moving through the communal areas. Staff working at the property will also be required to have full vaccination. Medical and religious exemptions will be accepted.
PUBLIC will continuously monitor the situation to assess when these restrictions can be removed.