#Roommates, New York recently took the first step in its nationwide effort to help residents return to various public venues and businesses. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has just announced the launch of the country’s first digital app confirming evidence of vaccination against COVID-19. This will be required to gain access to many state companies and events. Other states want to follow suit.
@USAToday reports that starting April 2, New York residents will have the option to get a QR code on their smartphone or a printout that will prove they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or tested negative for the virus that caused the virus. Formally known as the Excelsior Pass, it will serve as the official certification used for the first time in New York. Residents need their Excelsior Pass to gain access to popular venues like Madison Square Garden. Dozens of other government, arts, and entertainment venues to follow.
The way the Excelsior Pass works is similar to how an airline boarding pass works. Users confirm their vaccination status by officially downloading the Excelsior Pass app, entering their name, date of birth and zip code, and answering a series of questions to further verify identity. This information is said to come straight from New York’s vaccine registry, which is linked to test data from various pre-approved testing companies.
Andrew Cuomo used social media to officially announce the launch of the Excelsior Pass. “Today we launched the Excelsior Pass, a free platform for businesses and individuals that gives you easy access to secure evidence for a recent negative COVID test or vaccination. It’s a first-of-its-kind tool that will help NY fight COVID while safely reopening our economy, ”he tweeted.
Governor Cuomo elaborated on the use of the digital app in an official statement:
“New Yorkers have proven they can follow public health guidelines to fight back COVID. The innovative Excelsior Pass is another tool in our new toolbox to fight the virus while enabling more economic sectors to safely reopen and keep personal data safe. The question of public health or the economy has always been a wrong choice – the answer has to be both. With more New Yorkers vaccinated every day and with key public health metrics regularly hitting their lowest rates in months, the Excelsior Pass will be the first in the nation to usher in the next step in our thoughtful, science-based reopening. “
In the meantime, other states across the country are also trying to introduce the same level of Excelsior Passport, although many experts say there are still some challenges ahead before this practice spreads. The launch was also heavily criticized, as many see it as an end to their civil liberties and liberties.
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