The use of so-called “vaccine passports” COVID-19 is fast becoming a divisive issue in the United States – several states, including New York, accept the idea, while others have already moved to ban them.
Last month, New York became the first state in the country to officially launch a digital vaccine passport for Empire State residents to see if they were immunized against the coronavirus.
The state program, dubbed the “Excelsior Pass,” allows New Yorkers to demonstrate vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test to gain access to events and business.
Madison Square Garden in Manhattan and Times Union Center in Albany have already started using the app. Smaller art, entertainment and event venues are also expected to use the permit, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office said.
David Ige, the governor of Hawaii, told reporters Monday that his state is testing the technology needed for the vaccine passport, but that more needs to be done.
“[Vaccination passports] it won’t happen for at least four weeks or so, “the Democrat said, according to the Honolulu star ad.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also said he supports passports, but added that they should not be required to enter an event or facility.
“As long as it’s your choice,” Pritzker told reporters, according to Patch.com. “If people ask you to show that for a certain place or a private place, they have the capacity and the right to do so. You don’t have to show them that. You don’t have to go to that place or engage in that activity. ”
Meanwhile, leaders in a number of states – including Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri and Nebraska – have already expressed fierce opposition to any use of vaccine passports within their borders.
On Tuesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order banning state agencies or organizations receiving state funds from applying for passports for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The government should not require any Texan to provide proof of vaccination and disclose private health information just to carry out their daily lives. That’s why we’ve issued an executive order banning government-mandated vaccine passports in Texas, “Abbott said in a statement. “We will continue to vaccinate more Texans and protect public health – and we will do so without violating Texans’ personal freedoms.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a similar executive order last week.
“It is completely unacceptable for the government or the private sector to require you to show proof of the vaccine so that you can simply participate in a normal society,” DeSantis said.
Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp said on Tuesday he was opposed to “state-mandated” vaccine passports.
“I do not support and will not support any state-mandated vaccine passport. While the development of several safe and highly effective COVID-19 vaccines has been a scientific miracle, the decision to receive the vaccine should be left to the discretion of each individual, “Kemp said. he said on Twitter.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee also voiced disapproval of vaccine passports Tuesday.
“I oppose vaccine passports. The COVID-19 vaccine should be a personal health choice, not a government requirement. ” Lee wrote on Twitter.
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts he said in a tweet at the end of last month, Cornhusker State “will not participate in any vaccine passport program.”
“This concept violates two central principles of the American system: freedom of movement and privacy,” Ricketts said.
The Biden administration has said it is working to create a set of standards for the many private companies that make their own versions of passports – but will not create or require its own federal version.
“The government is not there now, nor will we support a system that requires Americans to have accreditation,” White House Secretary of State Jen Psaki said Tuesday.
“There will be no federal immunization database and no federal mandate to require everyone to obtain a single immunization accreditation.”