New York Announces Blockchain-Based COVID19 Passport
A new feature included on IBM’s Digital Health Pass will provide New York residents with proof of vaccination for travel and public gatherings.
Similar to digital airline tickets, vaccinated citizens can use Excelsior Pass Wallet app to confirm a negative PCR test or antigen test through a QR code. This personal information is secured using blockchain technology, so personal information can be stored and verified with significantly reduced risk. Large scale businesses like Madison Square Garden will be the first to use the application to verify testing, which will provide citizens with an opportunity to take part in larger public gatherings while the pandemic slows down.
“New Yorkers have proven they can follow public health guidance to beat back COVID and the innovative Excelsior Pass is another tool in our new toolbox to fight the virus while allowing more sectors of the economy to reopen safely and keeping personal information secure,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The success of IBMs Digital Health Pass has been a turning point for the company’s blockchain division, as the company previously reported that it scaled back in February. IBM also announced the company is working with Salesforce to create its own digital health platform. Though IBM is gaining popularity in the digital health space, many other businesses are competing to provide COVID19 vaccine documents. For instance, Walmart has announced that customers can receive digital proof of vaccination if they receive a shot at its pharmacies. As vaccines become more available throughout the country, it’s likely that other states will adapt similar programs to help move citizens back to normal life.
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Edited by Maurice Nagle
