New York State and IBM have begun testing their Coronavirus “digital health pass” system. Based on block-chain technology, the application is a secure way for individuals to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test result or vaccination certification.
The first two trials have taken place at a Brooklyn Nets basketball gate at Barclays Center and a New York Rangers ice hockey game at Madison Square Garden.
The system and its verification app use IBM's Excelsior Pass application, which was first launched in October 2020. The Excelsior Pass uses blockchain to preserve privacy and allows event attendees to store, manage, and share their health status from mobile devices. Each pass has a secure QR code, which venues will scan using the companion app – users can either print out their pass or store it on their smartphones to present at the venue.
The news come following New York Governor, Andrew Duomo’s, announcement last month of the plan to reopen stadiums and arenas, subject to attendees receiving a negative Coronavirus PCR test. The automation of this requirement combined with the extension to vaccinated spectators, will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of reopening events.
The IBM system is not just limited to events; it can tap into a range of data sources and its open architecture allows other countries and organisations to integrate with it, providing a common way for businesses of all types to verify Covid-safety.
The results of the New York pilot program will allow the app to be polished before it is more widely released in Apple and Google's app stores.