New program requires New Yorkers to present a COVID-19 passport upon venue entry

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday the rollout of the state’s new program requiring New Yorkers of a COVID-19 passport.
• The “Excelsior Pass” should be flashed upon entry in sports arenas, theaters and other businesses.
• The pass is similar to an airline boarding pass, which can be printed out or saved on phones.

New Yorkers will have to flash a COVID-19 passport-like under a new program.

Part of the state’s reopening efforts, the announcement on the rollout of the pilot program was made by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday, requiring residents to show the document when entering sports arenas, theaters and other businesses.

Cuomo said in a statement that the “Excelsior Pass” will be tested during events at Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center. On Tuesday night, the program had a pilot run at New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden.

The pass will use secure technology to confirm if a holder has been really vaccinated or has had a recent negative COVID-19 result. Similar to an airline boarding pass, it can be printed out or saved on phones using the Excelsior Pass’ “Wallet App.” A secure QR code will be assigned to each pass which will be scanned using a companion app to confirm the holder’s health status.

“We’re doing everything we can to vaccinate as many New Yorkers as possible, as quickly as possible, while keeping the infection rate down and re-energizing our economy in a safe, smart way,” Cuomo said.

“The Excelsior Pass will play a critical role in getting information to venues and sites in a secure and streamlined way, allowing us to fast-track the reopening of these businesses and getting us one step closer to reaching a new normal,” he added.

MSG Entertainment thought that the pilot program is a good start, complimenting the scheme as part of reopening the state. “We applaud Governor Cuomo’s leadership in reopening New York. The Excelsior Pass program, along with his decision to allow venues to begin welcoming fans, will play important roles in helping to get our City back on its feet.”

In early February, Cuomo said that starting February 23, large sports and entertainment venues with at least 10,000 people capacity can reopen, provided that a 10 percent capacity limit is set and viewers can present a negative COVID-19 test.

This was made possible last Tuesday, when Nets and Knicks fans were able to watch their favorite teams play on the basketball court for the first time in nearly a year.

Source: New York Post