New York StateÕs ÒExcelsior PassÓ is shown. It is a free, voluntary platform developed in partnership with IBM, which utilizes proven, secure technology to confirm an individualÕs recent negative PCR or antigen test result or proof of vaccination to help fast-track the reopening of businesses and event venues in accordance with New York State Department of Health guidelines. https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Excelsior_Pass_Images.pdf
March 26, 2021- 7:35 p.m
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.”
The app won’t show any health information when scanned — it’ll only show a green checkmark if the person has been vaccinated or tested negatively or a red “x” if they haven’t.
Major venues, such as Madison Square Garden and the Times Union Center in Albany, will begin using the app next week and on April 2, Excelsior Pass will expand to “smaller arts, entertainment and event venues,” Cuomo’s office said.
To sign up, New Yorkers can register by downloading the app and inputting personal information to verify their identity.
The app will then pull data from the state’s vaccine registry and a number of pre-approved COVID-19 testing companies.
