governor Andrew Cuomo announced a plan that would require residents of the state to present a COVID-19 passport when entering sports venues, movie theaters, and some businesses.
“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’s ‘Wallet App,'' a press release on the governor’s website said. “Each pass will have a secure QR code, which venues will scan using a companion app to confirm someone’s COVID health status.”
The plan will require residents to show that they have been vaccinated or recently have been tested positive for antibodies to enter venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center, arenas that host multiple sports franchises as well as other concerts and events.
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Officials tested the program at Tuesday’s New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden.
“The results of the pilot program will be used to enhance the quality of the application, maximizing return on investment and saving development time, prior to submission to Apple and Google for approval to go into their app stores,” the press release said.
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“We are pleased to partner with the state on this important pilot, which we hope will be another step forward in helping New York City to reopen,” said Executive Chairman of MSG Sports James Dolan.
Cuomo tried to justify the need for the passports as a way to ensure the safety of patrons as the state continues its effort to distribute COVID-19 vaccines.
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“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 reenergizing our economy in a safe, smart way,” Cuomo said.
The governor also hinted that the passes would be part of the “new normal.”
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“As we begin reopening the valves on different sectors of our economy, we are putting guidelines in place to ensure individuals attending events involving larger gatherings have tested negative for COVID or have been vaccinated to avoid an outbreak of the virus,” Cuomo continued. “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.”
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