Want to attend a concert or a sports event? Or perhaps a wedding ceremony or art performances?
New York recently launched a digital vaccine passport called Excelsior Pass.
It is a free-to-use app and website, which people can use to show that they have gotten vaccinated or have a negative test result of the Covid-19.
The coronavirus has had major negative impacts on the way we interact. We can no longer go to concerts or big entertainment events.
If you feel a little overwhelmed with the current situation, you can go on and enjoy playing games like wideo automaty online to ease the stress.
What Exactly is the Excelsior Pass?
Earlier on, the President left it for the states to figure out how to curb the number of infections.
New York was the first state in the US to come up with such an innovative app developed by IBM. The Excelsior passport is simply a digital wallet, which supports a safe re-opening of New York.
It is easily accessible from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
You can think of it as a mobile boarding pass, which will hold your birth date, a green checkmark, a QR code, and an expiration date for the passport.
The idea of this Covid-19 passport is that people can use it to prove they are fit to take part in a large event or receive certain services.
Businesses and different venues can scan the QR code and validate it to ensure that you tested negative or have the COVID-19 vaccination.
In addition to the pass, you will be required to show an ID that has your birth date and name to verify the passport belongs to you.
If accompanied by a minor, then you will need to provide their pass. Once inside, you will be asked to observe the guidelines like practising social distancing, hand hygiene, and wearing a facemask.
Is the COVID-19 Passport Safe?
One huge question most people are asking is whether they can use the app safely and if their privacy will be safe.
For starters, you will need to show your ID to verify yourself and to prevent potential fraud.
Moreover, the ICT savvy people that have used the app have found that the Excelsior passport does not pose any privacy risks.
The system has been designed by IBM to be used by everyone in the state.
Therefore, the state cannot track you. If you are optimistic, you will view this software as a better and safer option than showing the bouncer or ticket-taker your medical records.
But like any developments, this app has received a lot of negative reviews from critics.
Republicans have rejected the idea thinking that it will lead to favouritism for those who are vaccinated.
The Excelsior app sounds like a great idea to control the spread of coronavirus infections, but only if people use it correctly.
If it works, then it is certain that most states and countries will follow suit and integrate the software.
However, one question remains, how many events and life would you miss out on if you fail to provide a digital pass as proof?