Equinox Group Requiring Vax Proof For Employees, Members, Riders

Equinox Group is joining the growing list of companies and organizations that will require employees and customers to show proof they’ve been fully vaccinated from the coronavirus before they enter an Equinox club, SoulCycle studio or corporate office, starting in September in New York City, according to a press release.

The company will adopt similar policies in all its markets as developments warrant, the release stated. It’s part of the Equinox Standard and The SoulCycle Standard of Fitness and Safety, which was created during the pandemic with medical and infectious disease experts and in accordance with state and local guidelines.

About 96 percent of Equinox Fitness Clubs members and almost 90 percent of employees said in a recent survey that they’re fully vaccinated. An “overwhelming majority of members” said they support a vaccine mandate at the clubs, according to the release.

Equinox will accept a physical immunization card, photo of the card or a digital vaccine card as one-time proof of vaccination, the release stated. The company vows to work with those who have medical or religious exceptions to the vaccine mandate.

In related news, owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theaters will require vaccinations for audience members, performers, backstage crew and staff for all performances through October 2021, The Broadway League announced Friday (July 30).

Read more: Broadway Theaters Will Require Vaccines For Audience, Performers And Staff

The League announcement noted that audience members must also wear masks inside theaters except while eating or drinking in specific areas. All guests will need to show proof of vaccination and must wait at least 14 days after their last vaccine dose to attend a show.

Theater owners are likely to review their policies in September before making decisions about shows in November and beyond.

Some U.S. states are starting to implement mask mandates, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising that even people who are vaccinated should wear masks indoors.

Representatives from almost 60 medical groups — such as the American Nurses Association and the American Medical Association — said last week that they want to see mandatory vaccination policies for all healthcare workers.

Read more: Delta Variant Spread Leads To More Vax Mandates In US