The use of so-called COVID-19 “vaccine passports” is fast becoming a divisive issue across the United States, with several states, including New York, accepting the idea, while others have already decided to ban it. -the bear.
Last month, New York became the first state in the nation to formally issue a digital vaccine passport for Empire State residents to verify that they have been immunized against the coronavirus.
The state program, called the “Excelsior Pass,” allows New Yorkers to demonstrate their immunization status, or a recent negative test for COVID-19, to access events and businesses.
Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden and Albany’s Times Union Center have already begun using the app. Smaller arts, entertainment and event venues are also expected to use the pass, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office said.
Hawaii Gov. David Ige told reporters Monday that his state is testing the technology needed for a vaccine passport, but that there is still more work to be done.
“[Vaccination passports] it won’t happen for at least four weeks or so, ”the Democrat said, according to the Honolulu star publicist.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also said he supports passports, but added that they should not be forced to enter any events or facilities.
“As long as it’s your choice,” Pritzker told reporters, according to Patch.com. “If people ask you to prove that for a particular place or a private place, they have the ability and the right to do so. You don’t have to prove it to them. You don’t have to be there to go to that place or engage in this activity “.
Meanwhile, leaders in a large number of states – including Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri and Nebraska – have already expressed strong opposition to the use of vaccine passports within their borders.
On Tuesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order banning state agencies or organizations receiving state funds from requiring COVID-19 vaccine passports.
“The government should not require any Texan to prove vaccination evidence and disclose private health information just to devote himself to his daily life. That is why I have issued an executive order banning government-required vaccine passports in Texas, “Abbott said in a statement. “We will continue to vaccinate more jeans and protect public health, and we will do so without stepping on the personal freedoms of jeans.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a similar executive order last week.
“It is totally unacceptable for the government or the private sector to impose on you the requirement to show vaccine evidence to simply participate in normal society,” DeSantis said.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he opposed “state-bound” vaccine passports Tuesday.
“I do not support and will not support any type of vaccine passport required by the state. Although the development of multiple COVID-19 vaccines, safe and highly effective, has been a scientific miracle, the decision to receive the vaccine should have of leaving oneself in the hands of each individual, ”Kemp he said on Twitter.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee also voiced his disapproval of vaccine passports Tuesday.
“I oppose vaccine passports. The COVID-19 vaccine should be a personal health option, not a government requirement. ” Lee tweeted.
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts he said in a tweet at the end of last month, Cornhusker’s state “will not participate in any vaccine passport program.”
“This concept violates two central principles of the American system: freedom of movement and health privacy,” Ricketts criticized.
The Biden administration has said it is working to create a set of standards for many private companies that manufacture their own passport versions, but will not develop or require their own federal version.
“The government is not now, nor will we be supporting a system that requires Americans to have a credential,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at a news conference Tuesday.
“There will be no federal immunization database or federal mandate that requires everyone to obtain a single immunization credential.”