People have often wondered about a “COVID-19 passport” that would allow them to more easily travel, get into events, etc…and now that’s a reality in NYC.
New York State just launched the “Excelsior Pass,” which will allow individuals to easily and officially share the results of a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination in order to attend events, concerts, shows, travel more easily, etc. It is the first state in the U.S. to do something of the kind.
According to a press release, the (voluntary) app was created with IBM, and basically acts like a mobile boarding pass. “Each Pass will have a secure QR code, which participating businesses and venues can scan using a companion app to verify proof of COVID-19 negative test results or proof of vaccination,” it explains. You can also print the pass if you prefer.
Madison Square Garden will start using the system this week, with other large venues in the city likely to follow suit.
“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,” Governor 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.”
New Yorkers who are interested in downloading it can do so here, and businesses who are interested in using the app in their spaces can learn more here.
featured image source: Courtesy Governor Cuomo