Morristown Restaurant Considers Requiring Proof Of Vaccination

MORRISTOWN, NJ — New Jersey hasn't followed New York City's lead in requiring proof of vaccination for indoor restaurants. But one Morristown establishment might.

Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen will consider requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19 from diners as they head into fall. But owner Chris Cannon asked the restaurant's social-media followers for their feedback.

"New Jersey is nearing a 70% vaccination rate and requiring proof will of course exclude a small minority of folks," Cannon wrote, "but we feel that ensuring the safety of all outweighs any inconvenience."

>>>Want to win Six Flags Great Adventure Season Passes? Here's how.

See the Facebook post below:

Jockey Hollow began requiring all servers to wear masks again this week. Their staff is 100 percent vaccinated, according to Cannon. The restaurant has taken additional safety measures throughout the pandemic, including closing to diners for about six months.

Starting Aug. 16, New York City will require proof of vaccination to access indoor restaurants, gyms and performance venues. Children under 12, who aren't eligible for the vaccine yet, will be able to enter indoor venues with their families.

The CDC determined almost all of New Jersey — every county except Warren — has "substantial" or "high" community transmission. The data is based on numerical benchmarks for positivity rates and case rates. As a result, the agency recommends that people in those counties wear face masks again in indoor, public settings — regardless of vaccination status.

Most businesses in public settings around the nation have not returned to mask requirements for customers, according to AARP. The organization compiled a list of how the country's largest retailers have handled mask policies.

Morris County was New Jersey's first to reach 70 percent of adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In the county, 76.5 percent of adults and 73.7 percent of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated against the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Thanks for reading. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter and follow the Morristown Patch Facebook page.