Last week, NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the launch of the state’s vaccine passport system that will be called the “Excelsior Pass.”
It’s basically a digital platform to show proof vaccination in order to enter a participating business. Users will be able to either print out their pass or store it on their smartphones with an app.
Madison Square Garden announced that this week they will begin using the technology.
“Beginning April 2, Excelsior Pass will expand to smaller arts, entertainment and event venues.
New Yorkers can choose to use Excelsior Pass to verify their COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results as needed to gain entry to major stadiums and arenas, wedding receptions, or other events above the social gathering limit…
“New Yorkers have proven they can follow public health guidance to beat back COVID, and the innovative Excelsior Pass is another tool in our new toolbox to fight the virus while allowing more sectors of the economy to reopen safely and keeping personal information secure,” Cuomo said. “The question of ‘public health or the economy’ has always been a false choice — the answer must be both. As more New Yorkers get vaccinated each day and as key public health metrics continue to regularly reach their lowest rates in months, the first-in-the-nation Excelsior Pass heralds the next step in our thoughtful, science-based reopening.”
The Washington Post reports that the Biden administration is working to develop a “vaccine credential” system at the federal level where people can show proof of vaccination as airlines and business groups have been reportedly lobbying the White House to take the lead in setting standards for health passes. They believe that would avoid a hodgepodge of regional credentials that could cause confusion among travelers and prevent any single health certificate from being widely accepted.
Forbes magazine reports “vaccine passports” are going to become the norm.
They report, “your most precious travel accessory this summer is going to be a small white piece of paper. Some destinations, cruise lines and major sports venues are already requiring travelers to provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19…Digital vaccine passports may become a reality in the future.