NYC Mayor de Blasio mandates vaccines for private sector employees, tighten restrictions on children

New York Democrat Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday morning that he will tighten COVID-19 restrictions on workers and residents in the city as the Omicron variant begins to spread across the U.S.

The outgoing mayor described his plan as a "pre-emptive strike" against the virus. It will include a vaccine mandate for all private sector employees, and will require children ages 5-11 show proof of immunization to dine inside restaurants and participate in other indoor events. At present, only those 12-and-older are required to show proof of vaccine to enter some businesses. 

A more detailed announcement is expected later Monday, but the mayor has said the orders will take effect on Dec. 27.