NME.com (03/29/21) Moore, Sam

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the rollout of a new digital vaccine passport application called the Excelsior Pass in a bid to restart live events safely. Designed by New York in collaboration with IBM, the voluntary platform uses established and secure technology to verify if an individual has either been fully vaccinated against coronavirus or has recently tested negative. The app will supply each user with a quick response (QR) code similar to a boarding pass, which venues and businesses can scan before admitting people. The launch makes New York the first state to debut such a service. "New Yorkers have proven they can follow public health guidance to beat back COVID, and the innovative Excelsior Pass is another tool in our new toolbox to fight the virus while allowing more sectors of the economy to reopen safely and keeping personal information secure," declared Cuomo.The Excelsior Pass is available for iPhone and Android users, and QR codes can be printed or stored on smartphones. Secure technologies such as blockchain and encryption are reportedly incorporated into the app to protect user data. Major venues like New York City's Madison Square Garden and Albany's Times Union Center will be among the first to use the Excelsior Pass, while "smaller arts, entertainment, and event venues" can employ it from April 2.

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