1. ‘Vaccine passports’ are on the way, but developing them won’t be easy
White House-led effort tries to corral more than a dozen initiatives"
'The Biden administration and private companies are working to develop a standard way of handling credentials — often referred to as “vaccine passports” — that would allow Americans to prove they have been vaccinated against the novel coronavirus as businesses try to reopen.
The effort has gained momentum amid President Biden’s pledge that the nation will start to regain normalcy this summer and with a growing number of companies — from cruise lines to sports teams — saying they will require proof of vaccination before opening their doors again.
Other countries are racing ahead with their own passport plans, with the European Union pledging to release digital certificates that would allow for summer travel.
There is evidence vaccine passports could motivate skeptical Americans to get shots. Several vaccine-hesitant participants at a recent focus group of Trump voters led by pollster Frank Luntz suggested their desire to see family, go on vacation and resume other aspects of daily life outpaced fear of the shots, particularly if travel companies and others moved to require proof of vaccination.
“We love to travel. We love to take cruises. I would get it to travel,” said Debbie of Georgia, who like others in the focus group was identified only by her first name.
Some attendees dissented and warned that requiring a credential would backfire.'
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/03/28/vaccine-passports-for-work/?itid=hp-top-table-main
2. "New York Just Launched A Digital Vaccine Pass To Restart Concerts, Sports Events And Other Activities
The Excelsior Pass aims to be a ticket back to a life that looks and feels a lot more normal.
"Major venues in the Empire State — including 20,000-seat Madison Square Garden in New York City and the 17,500-seat Times Union Center in Albany — are already planning to utilize this technology. Beginning April 2, Excelsior Pass will expand to smaller arts, entertainment and event venues.
“The Times Union Center looks forward to using this platform and making this excellent technology available for future events,” said Bob Belber, GM of the Times Union Center. “This will be a game changer for our venue's continued reopening process and for New Yorkers in the Capital Region and beyond."
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/A_jPL_BHiQGS4NDWn4YBD4g
3. As Cruising Prepares for a Comeback, More Lines Announce Vaccination Requirements
"The cruise industry is ready to resume sailing as early as this summer, and individual cruise lines are showing signs of confidence by announcing vaccination requirements for guests. In the last week alone, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and UnCruise Adventures announced vaccine mandates; they joined Crystal Cruises, Virgin Voyages, American Queen Steamboat Company, and Victory Cruise Lines in instituting them.
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/as-cruising-prepares-for-a-comeback-more-lines-announce-vaccination-requirements
4. "A Vaccine Passport Is the New Golden Ticket as the World Reopens
Companies and countries that depend on travel or large gatherings are counting on a totally unproven concept."
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-25/covid-vaccine-passports-2021-the-golden-ticket-for-international-travel
White House-led effort tries to corral more than a dozen initiatives"
'The Biden administration and private companies are working to develop a standard way of handling credentials — often referred to as “vaccine passports” — that would allow Americans to prove they have been vaccinated against the novel coronavirus as businesses try to reopen.
The effort has gained momentum amid President Biden’s pledge that the nation will start to regain normalcy this summer and with a growing number of companies — from cruise lines to sports teams — saying they will require proof of vaccination before opening their doors again.
Other countries are racing ahead with their own passport plans, with the European Union pledging to release digital certificates that would allow for summer travel.
There is evidence vaccine passports could motivate skeptical Americans to get shots. Several vaccine-hesitant participants at a recent focus group of Trump voters led by pollster Frank Luntz suggested their desire to see family, go on vacation and resume other aspects of daily life outpaced fear of the shots, particularly if travel companies and others moved to require proof of vaccination.
“We love to travel. We love to take cruises. I would get it to travel,” said Debbie of Georgia, who like others in the focus group was identified only by her first name.
Some attendees dissented and warned that requiring a credential would backfire.'
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/03/28/vaccine-passports-for-work/?itid=hp-top-table-main
2. "New York Just Launched A Digital Vaccine Pass To Restart Concerts, Sports Events And Other Activities
The Excelsior Pass aims to be a ticket back to a life that looks and feels a lot more normal.
"Major venues in the Empire State — including 20,000-seat Madison Square Garden in New York City and the 17,500-seat Times Union Center in Albany — are already planning to utilize this technology. Beginning April 2, Excelsior Pass will expand to smaller arts, entertainment and event venues.
“The Times Union Center looks forward to using this platform and making this excellent technology available for future events,” said Bob Belber, GM of the Times Union Center. “This will be a game changer for our venue's continued reopening process and for New Yorkers in the Capital Region and beyond."
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/A_jPL_BHiQGS4NDWn4YBD4g
3. As Cruising Prepares for a Comeback, More Lines Announce Vaccination Requirements
"The cruise industry is ready to resume sailing as early as this summer, and individual cruise lines are showing signs of confidence by announcing vaccination requirements for guests. In the last week alone, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and UnCruise Adventures announced vaccine mandates; they joined Crystal Cruises, Virgin Voyages, American Queen Steamboat Company, and Victory Cruise Lines in instituting them.
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/as-cruising-prepares-for-a-comeback-more-lines-announce-vaccination-requirements
4. "A Vaccine Passport Is the New Golden Ticket as the World Reopens
Companies and countries that depend on travel or large gatherings are counting on a totally unproven concept."
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-25/covid-vaccine-passports-2021-the-golden-ticket-for-international-travel