A new world, a new passport?
The Vaccine Passport. Is it fair to say that we all knew it was coming, eventually? A Vaccine Passport has been in the works by private companies and various states, in hopes to develop a mobile app that allows Americans to prove they've been vaccinated for COVID-19. The passport is using QR forms to prove vaccination and requires only basic information from its holder: date of birth, zip code, date and time of vaccine. It is then verified by a health authority.
Inc.com shares some specifics on who's developing what and what it will actually do:
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) - TravelPass to develop "a global and standardized solution to validate and authenticate all country regulations regarding COVID-19 passenger travel requirements"
- REVIV Global - QR code passport to restore safe operations for the hospitality, convention, sports, and live events in Las Vegas
- IProov - Vaccination passport - COVID-19 immunity
- Walmart - E-verification app to customers vaccinated in stores
- Domestic Airlines - VeriFLY helps international travelers comply with vaccine or testing requirement in other countries
As you can well imagine, this would remove a huge burden from businesses having to take temperatures at the door and enforce facemasks, etc. But the debate is already beginning to brew as privacy protection and security issues no less come into question. Also, the million-dollar question is who should be the one managing these passports? At this point, Florida and Texas have both "denounced passports, citing discrimination against people unable or unwilling to get the vaccine."
With the world slowly opening up again from the pandemic, and new mandates calling for mandatory vaccinations for returning college students to various campuses to Norwegian Cruise Line doing the same for passengers, this is just the beginning of a new world and possibly—a new passport.
Any strong feelings about this passport? Sound off in the comments.
