Staff and customers in Boston's indoor businesses will be mandated to present proof of their vaccination status, Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu announced Monday.

The mandate will go into effect on Jan. 15, and it is part of an effort to mitigate an increase in new cases throughout Boston, Wu said.

Employees of the city will be required to receive a vaccine, and they will no longer be given the option of weekly testing, the mayor said at a City Hall press conference.

NORTH KOREA BANS LAUGHING FOR 11 DAYS

The mayor said that religious and medical exemptions will be considered, according to a report.

Wu's announcement was met with hostility from protesters gathered at City Hall.

They blew whistles, shouted "Shame on Wu," and sang the "The Star-Spangled Banner," the report noted.

"There is nothing more American than coming together to ensure that we're taking care of each other," Wu said in response.

Roughly 90% of Boston's city workers are vaccinated, the mayor said.

"The vast majority of COVID-related hospitalizations are of unvaccinated individuals, which is impacting our entire health care system and compromising the health of our communities," she said.

"Today's steps to protect community members in certain indoor establishments and throughout our city workforce will help ensure that everyone in Boston will be safe."

The new mandate will apply to restaurants, gyms, theaters, sports venues, and indoor recreational facilities.

Wu's new requirements are a burden on struggling businesses, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

"It is unfortunate that, once again, private businesses are being placed in the unenviable position of having to enforce another government health directive," Christopher Carlozzi, the state director, said in a statement.