New York launches COVID-19 vaccination I.D. program

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week announced the rollout of his state's vaccine passport program, a measure the Democratic politician says will help the state continue to reopen its long-shuttered economy. 

In a statement on Friday, Cuomo revealed the debut of "Excelsior Pass," what the governor's office said was a "free, voluntary platform ... which utilizes proven, secure technology to confirm an individual's recent negative PCR or antigen test result or proof of vaccination."

The program, developed in partnership with IBM, will allow users to either "print out their pass or store it on their smartphones," permitting them to gain access to public venues and establishments such as "major stadiums and arenas, wedding receptions, or catered and other events above the social gathering limit."

"New York State is the first state in the U.S. to formally launch this potentially transformational technology," the governor's office said.