With Excelsior Pass, New York on Friday became the first state to issue the so-called vaccine passport, USA Today reported. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo also promoted the launch on Twitter on Friday.
Today we launched Excelsior Pass, a free platform for businesses and individuals that can be used to easily access secure testing from a recent negative COVID test or vaccination.
It is a prime tool of this kind to help New York fight COVID while reopening our economy safely.
Learn more:
– Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 26, 2021
Using the downloaded app with personal information to confirm their identity, New Yorkers can prove with a digital QR code that they have been vaccinated. “The data will come from the state’s vaccine registry and will also be related to test data from several previously approved testing companies,” according to USA Today. The passport will be useful for accessing events and venues and “already allows people to increase the size of a wedding party or other event.”
Naturally, concerns about privacy and data abound, as Bloomberg has already written at least two pieces raising issues.
Also, if you read the overview of the state website, this particular excerpt comes to mind: “Once you and your party enter an establishment, you will still be asked to follow the state guidelines and CDC in relation to social distancing, facial coverage and hand hygiene. ” “
Aren’t vaccinated expected to wear a mask? Will President Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci continue to insist on bringing two? What will even change?
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) already rejected the idea of a vaccine passport last week. “The vaccine passport is a terrible idea. We will definitely not offer anything from a state perspective. This is totally off the table,” Fox 4 News of Southwest Florida reported.