New York rolls out pilot COVID-19 passport program for entering public venues

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Tuesday announced a pilot program testing a new COVID-19 electronic passport for entering public venues as the state works to slowly reopen.

The so-called "Excelsior Pass," which uses "proven, secure technology," according to the governor's office, would allow New Yorkers to flash an electronic passport on their phone to confirm their COVID vaccinations or recent negative COVID tests before entering theaters, stadiums, or other businesses.

Cuomo's new pilot program will be used for upcoming events at Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center.

Much like airline boarding passes people can access via an app on their phones, the mobile Excelsior Pass lets users print out their passes or keep them on their phones using a "Wallet App," the governor's office said. Each pass has a unique QR code that venues can scan to get a person's COVID health status.

"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 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."

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