New York launches vaccine passport: What you need to know

Picture courtesy : The State of New York

On Friday, New Yorkers got the ability to own and use ‘vaccine passport’, which will help them own proof that they have been vaccinated. Here is everything you need to know about the update:

1. The certification, which is the first of its kind in the USA, is called ‘Excelsior Pass’. It can be accessed by vaccinated New Yorkers on their phones.

2. The mobile app was championed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help New York recover fast and give a push to the local businesses.

3. Initially, this pass will be useful in large events like in Madison Square garden. However, starting next week, it can be used at other venues and marriages.

4. The app uses blockchain technology and is built on IBM’s digital health pass platform.

5. Currently, there is no standard for accepting a code to prove that the person has been vaccinated. In the rest of the states in the US and other parts of the world, similar concepts are being tested.