East Bank Club will require its staff and members to be vaccinated against COVID-19 starting Oct. 1.
While some Chicago restaurants have already announced vaccine mandates, the high-end River North health club is one of the first major gyms in the city to require vaccines.
When East Bank Club surveyed its members, most supported the idea of requiring vaccines, said CEO Mel Kleist.
“We know the science right now does suggest that if everyone’s vaccinated, we’re in a much safer place,” he said.
Crain’s Chicago Business first reported East Bank Club’s vaccine requirement.
The rule won’t go into effect until Oct. 1 to give unvaccinated members and employees time to get the shot, Kleist said. Members will have to show proof of vaccination once at check-in.
East Bank Club will consult with experts on how to handle situations where members decline the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons and kids under 12, who aren’t yet eligible for the vaccine, Kleist said. The club also has not yet determined how it will respond to members who refuse to get the vaccine for other reasons.
Earlier this month, Equinox Group said it plans to require customers and employees show proof of vaccination to enter Equinox Clubs and SoulCycle studios, starting with locations in New York City in early September. The city is phasing in rules requiring COVID-19 vaccines for anyone who wants to dine indoors at a restaurant or go to the gym. Equinox did not say when it plans to implement the policy in Chicago.
Kleist said other gyms have reached out to ask about East Bank Club’s vaccine mandate but isn’t aware of any in the Chicago area that have imposed similar rules.