New York Rolls out “COVID Passport”

New York Rolls out “COVID Passport”: Last Friday Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the launch of Excelsior Pass — the so-called “COVID Passport” that will enable New Yorkers to show proof of vaccination or proof of their COVID test results right from their smartphone. The Excelsior Pass is designed to help fast-track the reopening of businesses and especially event venues so they can remain in compliance with New York State Department of Health Guidelines. The Excelsior Pass Wallet APP is a free, voluntary platform developed in partnership with IBM.

With the Excelsior Pass, which is similar to a mobile airline boarding pass, theater and concert-goers will be able to print out a pass or store it on their Excelsior Pass Wallet on their smartphones. The passes will have a secure QR code, that can be scanned by businesses and event venues to verify proof of vaccination or COVID-19 test results.

The state expects major stadiums, arenas, and catering halls to put the Excelsior Pass into use enabling an eventual loosening of capacity limitations. Both Madison Square Garden and the Times Union Center in Albany will begin utilizing this technology next week. Beginning April 2, Excelsior Pass will expand to smaller arts, entertainment and event venues.

Download it here…

Two successful pilot demonstrations were held in recent weeks, along with a beta test where thousands of New Yorkers participated in a limited roll out of the technology to provide feedback on user interface and results. You can download the Excelsior Pass Wallet app for Android here and for iOS here.  Businesses can download the Excelsior Pass Scanner app for Android here and for iOS here.