Nation’s first ‘vaccine passport’ coming to New York; Travel industry presses Biden to set COVID vaccine passport standards. and other C-Virus Updates

NYS Governor's Office

Nation’s first ‘vaccine passport’ coming to New York:

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.” --->READ MORE HERE

Xinhua/Ting Shen via Getty Images

Travel industry presses Biden to set COVID vaccine passport standards:

As more and more people are getting vaccinated against the coronavirus, concerns are being raised about whether so-called “COVID passports” will be required to travel or attend events or other social gatherings.

The Biden administration has said the government shouldn’t play a role in designing the requirements — but tech companies and travel-related trade groups are developing and testing versions of the passes and some countries have already started using them.

But while advocates say these tools will hasten the return to the “normal” pre-pandemic world, others have raised ethical and logistical issues around having to prove one has immunity.

Here’s what you need to know about “COVID passports.” --->READ MORE HERE

Follow links below to related stories and resources:

CDC Director: We’re Still Updating Our Travel Advice for Vaccinated Americans

Airlines Add Routes in Fight for Americans Ready to Travel Again

USA TODAY: Coronavirus Updates

WSJ: Coronavirus Live Updates

YAHOO NEWS: Coronavirus Live Updates

NEW YORK POST: Coronavirus The Latest

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