Covid passport introduction

The new Excelsior Pass programme for events is already in pilot mode.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday the rollout of a new pilot program that will require New Yorkers to have some sort of covid passport to get into sports arenas, theatres and concert venues.

The plan is to test a so-called "Excelisior Pass," which will use secure technology to confirm that a person is vaccinated or has recently tested negative for COVID-19. This procedure will be mandatory to start at events at MSG (Madison Square Garden) and the Barclays Centre.

The pass technology was already tested on Tuesday night at the New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden.

Similar to an airline boarding pass, people will be able to print their pass or save it on their phone using the Excelsior Pass app. Each pass will have a secure QR code, which institutions will scan with a specal programme to confirm a person's health status.

Cuomo said: "We are doing everything in our power to vaccinate as many New Yorkers as possible and as quickly as possible, while reducing infection rates and restoring energy to our economy in a safe and sensible way".

"Excelsior Pass will play a critical role in providing safe and streamlined access to facilities, allowing us to accelerate the reopening of similar businesses and bring us one step closer to achieving the new normal", he added.

MSG Entertainment praised the pilot programme, stating, "We applaud Governor Cuomo's commitment to opening New York City. The Excelsior Pass programme, and his decision to allow venues to start welcoming fans, will play an important role in helping our city get back on its feet."