New York has launched a vaccine passport that will help the vaccinated people to get into entertainment venues, businesses, stadium arenas, wedding receptions, and various events, over and above the social gathering limit.
This passport, also being called the Excelsior Pass will work as proof of either full COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test.
“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 Andrew Cuomo said
Here we decode everything you need to know about the Excelsior Pass.
How to get the Excelsior Pass?
To get the COVID Vaccine passport and prove your health status with the help of a digital QR code, you need to download the Excelsior Pass app available on Apple App Store and Google Play and fill in the required information such as name, zip code, and date of birth.
A QR code is generated after you give your information. The app is linked to testing data from a number of pre-approved testing companies. Venues and businesses can scan your QR code before they allow you to enter.
Eligibility to get the Excelsior pass
You are eligible to get the Excelsior pass if-
- You have been fully vaccinated for coronavirus by New York State, and it has been at least 14 days since the last shot.
- If you have tested negative for coronavirus through a PCR test administered in New York in the last three days.
- If you have a negative test report from an antigen test administered in the State of New York in the last six hours.
Is it safe to use New York’s COVID vaccine passport?
According to the New York state, the Excelsior app is built on IBM’s Digital Health Pass solution, which uses secure verification of your COVID-19 status without needing to share medical or personal information. Any information you provide to the app would be used for follow-up communications and contact tracing.
“Secure technologies, like blockchain and encryption, are woven throughout Excelsior Pass to help protect the data, making it verifiable and trusted,” the state says
To use or not to use?
This pass is voluntary, however, you might have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test report while entering into public venues. Many major venues like Madison Square Garden and the Times Union Center have already started using the Excelsior app. Excelsior Pass is likely to be considered as proof by many other smaller entertainment and event venues across New York.
