New York to adopt program similar to Israel's 'green passport'

• Date: 30 March 2021
• Published date: 30 March 2021
• Author: JERUSALEM POST STAFF
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Green passports are required to enter certain places and to participate in certain activities. Only people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from coronavirus will be eligible for one.

The green passport in Israel is granted to those who are a week past their second coronavirus vaccination, or people who have recovered from the virus and are currently not eligible for the vaccine.

New York's version, released Friday, will be dubbed the "Excelsior Pass," and, like Israel's version, will be available via an app to prove a person's vaccination status. The NY pass could also be used to prove a recent negative COVID-19 test, which would allow them to enter events or businesses, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, according to The New York Post.

"Similar to a mobile airline boarding pass, individuals will be able to either print out their pass or store it on their smartphones using the Excelsior Pass Wallet app," a statement by the governor's office said.

"Each Pass will have a secure QR code, which participating businesses and venues can scan using a companion app to verify proof of COVID-19 negative test results or proof of vaccination. An individual's data is kept secure and confidential at all times."

Venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Times Union Center in Albany...