Beginning on April 2nd – the nation’s very first “vaccine passport” is coming to the Big Apple.
The program, dubbed 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 gain entry to events and businesses, Governor Cuomo announced in a news release Friday.
“Similar to a mobile airline boarding pass, individuals will be able to either print out their pass or store it on their smartphones using the Excelsior Pass Wallet app,” the news release explains.
“Each Pass will have a secure QR code, which participating businesses and venues can scan using a companion app to verify proof of COVID-19 negative test results or proof of vaccination. An individual’s data is kept secure and confidential at all times.”
Interested New Yorkers can opt in to use Excelsior Pass online, and so can businesses.
Major venues have already announced they will begin utilizing this technology in the coming weeks, including the Times Union Center and Madison Square Garden. Beginning April 2, Excelsior Pass will expand to smaller arts, entertainment and event venues, according to the governor’s office.