This happened even earlier than most people expected. Earlier this month we were warned that New York State was working to implement an immunity passport system for people wishing to reintroduce the more “normal” aspects of society. The state had already been clearly decided and had people working on the project because the “Pass Excelsior” is already in production and will be needed for many social activities from 2 April. New York City’s big venues already use it, but most other “arts, entertainment, and event venues” will require the pass soon after. People who have been vaccinated or who have received a negative COVID test in recent days will be able to obtain the pass, which can be printed on paper or displayed using an application on the phone. (New York Post)
The country’s first “vaccine passport” arrives at the Big Apple.
The program, called the “Excelsior Pass,” is an app that will allow New Yorkers to prove their vaccination status or recent history of a negative COVID-19 test, in order to enter events and business, Governor Cuomo announced communicated Friday.
“Similar to the mobile airline’s boarding pass, people will be able to print their pass or store it on their smartphones using the Excelsior Pass Wallet app,” the press release explains.
If you decide to install the app on your phone, it will display a key code that a scanner will recognize at the entrance of the event you want to attend or the company you want to shop for or other purposes. Assuming you have a valid code, a green check mark will be displayed in response. If the system does not find that it is compliant, a red “X” will be displayed and you will be denied entry.
The first thing to note here is that so far New York State has vaccinated approximately half of its eligible citizens. This means that now the other half of the state will be closed to almost all non-essential activities unless they can find a place to try and “verify” every few days. And if you think this only applies to things like basketball games, guess it again. The state has listed specifically wedding receptions as events that will require a scanner at the door and an immunity passport to access. As of this morning, CNN says 14.7 percent of adults in the United States are fully vaccinated right now, so the disparity is much greater if a plan like this appears nationwide.
Although it will not be part of the initial launch, it is reported that large retail chains and even grocery stores are studying how this system could be applied to their establishments. The full purchase of food and other staples cannot be banned, but some stores are considering establishing separate tickets for those with or without a passport or restricting business hours only to those who pass the check.
I have reviewed the Post’s explanation of how the system works and do not see any exceptions for people with comorbidities or other underlying conditions that may lead their doctors to recommend that they avoid the vaccine. Therefore, if you decide not to get vaccinated or are medically disqualified to receive it, at least in New York, on April 2 you will be officially a second-class citizen. Without permission, you will be part of a new class of outcasts who do not have the opportunity to mingle with the new upper class of people with immunity or those who acquire a few days of “normalcy” showing a negative COVID test result.
So when does this end? Based on the information provided by the state, it doesn’t. These provisions do not mention any provision on the setting of the sun. The government may be seriously considering turning this into the “new normal”. And it won’t be restricted to New York State alone. You can bet that almost all blue states (at least) will copy this system in a short time. Will we really stand it? We are constantly scolded for any activity that has an idea of what someone considers racism, sexism, or any other “ism” you want to call. But discrimination against the unvaccinated is seemingly fine and dandy. This cannot be allowed, as the way society works forward and our elected officials need to hear about it out loud and clear.