NYC To Introduce 'Digital Health Pass' For Stadiums And Theaters

New Yorkers need “coronavirus passport” to enter stadiums and theaters under new pilot program

 Virgilio Marin 

New York is piloting a new program that requires people to obtain a COVID-19 passport to prove they have been vaccinated or tested negative for the virus to enter sporting events and theaters. Called the “Excelsior Pass,” the program uses apps developed by tech company IBM to confirm a person’s vaccination or recent negative test.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the passport program on Tuesday, March 2. He confirmed that the program had already started testing on Feb. 27 with the Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

According to a statement from Cuomo’s office, the Digital Health Pass works just like a mobile boarding pass – individuals will be able to print it out or download it on their smartphones using the Excelsior Pass’ Wallet App. Each pass will come with a secure QR code that will be scanned at the venue using another app to confirm a person’s health status.

Cuomo said during a press conference on Wednesday, March 3, that the Wallet App will be available for download on the Google and Apple app store once the program gets approved.

As for security, the governor’s office claimed that robust protections are woven throughout the program. Users will be able to use the app without sharing personal data, which Cuomo’s office said will be kept confidential. Participation is also voluntary and the QR code only informs a venue whether a pass is valid or not.

The state trialed the program last week with the Brooklyn Mets game at the Barclays Center. It continued testing on Tuesday with the New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. Participants of both trials were able to use the pass to confirm their negative COVID-19 tests before entering the premises.

Other states, according to Cuomo’s office, could also use the apps to implement a similar program. The flexible technology is designed so that an organization can establish its own criteria, such as COVID-19 test results and temperature scans.

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