Over 2 million now signed up of NY's vax passport

New York State says that over two million people have signed up for its digital vaccine passport called the Excelsior Pass. Masks are no longer required for vaccinated New Yorkers in most cases, and while most businesses operate on the honor system, large venues are still required to ask for proof of vaccinations.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has connected vaccinations to the states continued reopening, allowing venues to have 100% capacity if they require proof of vaccination. Vaccine passports have become a divisive issue, with conservative states like Florida and Texas taking stands against them. Some privacy advocates also view vaccine passports like Excelsior Pass with skepticism, questioning their security and necessity. While currently only used in New York, IBM who developed the pass' technology hopes New York proves the passes utility and that other organizations will expand its use.