The use of so-called COVID-19 “vaccine passports” is fast becoming a divisive issue in the US – with several states, including New York, accepting the idea, while others have already moved to ban it.
Last month, New York became the first state in the country to formally introduce a digital vaccine passport for Empire State residents to verify that they have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
The state’s program, called the “Excelsior Pass,” enables New Yorkers to prove their vaccination status, or a recent negative COVID-19 test, to gain access to events and businesses.
Madison Square Garden in Manhattan and the Times Union Center in Albany have already started using the app. Smaller arts, entertainment and event venues are expected to use the pass, Andrew Cuomo’s government said.
Hawaii’s governor, David Ige, told reporters on Monday that his state was testing the technology needed for a vaccine passport, but that more work needed to be done.
‘[Vaccination passports] will not happen for at least four weeks or so, ”the Democrat said, according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
The government of Illinois, JB Pritzker, also said he supports passports, but added that it is not necessary 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 it to a specific venue or private venue, they have the ability and right to do so. You do not have to show it to them. You do not have to go to that venue or get involved in that activity. ”
Meanwhile, leaders in a number of states – including Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri and Nebraska – have already expressed strong opposition to the use of vaccine passports within their borders.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday issued an executive order banning government agencies or organizations that receive government funding from requiring COVID-19 vaccine passports.
‘The government should not require a Texan to provide proof of vaccination and disclose private health information to perform their daily lives. That’s why I issued an executive order banning government vaccines for vaccines in Texas, ‘Abbott said in a statement. “We will continue to vaccinate more Texans and protect public health – and we will do so without encroaching on the freedom of Texans.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a similar executive order last week.
“It is completely unacceptable that the government or the private sector requires you to provide proof of vaccine simply to participate in normal society,” DeSantis said.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he was opposed to the state mandate against vaccine passports on Tuesday.
‘I do not support or endorse any form of government mandate for vaccines. “Although the development of multiple safe, highly effective COVID-19 vaccines has been a scientific miracle, the decision to receive the vaccine should be left to each individual,” Kemp said. said on Twitter.
The Tennessee government, Bill Lee, also on Tuesday expressed its disapproval of vaccine passports.
‘I’m against vaccine passports. The COVID-19 vaccine should be a personal health choice, not a government requirement, ‘ Lee tweeted.
Pete Ricketts, Governor of Nebraska said in a tweet late last month that the Cornhusker state “will not participate in any vaccine passport program.”
“This concept violates two core principles of the American system: freedom of movement and privacy in healthcare,” Ricketts said.
The Biden administration said it was creating a set of standards for the numerous private companies that make their own versions of passports but would not make or require a federal version.
“The government is not now, nor will we support a system that requires Americans to have a credential,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters during a briefing on Tuesday.
“There will be no federal vaccination database and no federal mandate will require everyone to get a single vaccination certificate.”