Vaccine Passports- Page 2

[HogansHero]

Posted: 5/1/21 at 12:06am

Islander_fan said: "In addition, you have to remember, state mandate says that in order to enter an arena or stadium in New York, you have to check to make sure those who are coming for a game/event, either have proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative test. Granted of course, nothing has been regarding this and the theatres, but, it will.

Keep in mind, even now with stadiums and arenas in New York, you can show your full covid vaccine card in lieu of the passport. But, the rational behind the passports is that people are going to need to show proof of vaccination for a good long while now. And, carrying your card around with you is not a smart move. If you loose your vaccine card getting a replacement is going to be ahuge pain in the ass."

Among several other reasons, the passes also can't be counterfeited. But the major reason for the passport in the theatre (other than because it is the only way people will feel safe) is that anything else will be too slow and (lest we have forgotten) lines to get into theatres are already a disaster. 8000 people at Yankee stadium is nothing compared to 1300 people on 46th Street.

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 5/1/21 at 6:33am

As someone who works in healthcare tech, I think the work of getting these apps up and running is being grossly underestimated, especially when we start talking about the differences between states and even cities.

Having said that, since everyone else always talks about their pipe dreams on here - what I think would be AWESOME - though would probably never happen - would be some sort of tech where people buy their event tickets on their phone (same device as passport) and the ticket site could link up with the passport app, authenticate the passport and grant the entry pass to that device. That could cut down on having front line staff having to individually check passports AND tickets. If venues had scanners that work with phones (I think most do?) they could just scan the one barcode which would be the ticket + passport validation.

[Sunny11]

Posted: 5/1/21 at 9:18am

If people have the option to provide evidence of a negative test instead of a vaccine then they could purchase a ticket provisionally. Have a waiting list system where someone who has a negative test could take the tickets from a holder who gets a positive test. 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 5/1/21 at 10:58am

Alexander Lamar said: "As someone who works in healthcare tech, I think the work of getting these apps up and running is being grossly underestimated, especially when we start talking about the differences between states and even cities.

Having said that, since everyone else always talks about their pipe dreams on here - what I think would be AWESOME - though would probably never happen - would be some sort of tech where people buy their event tickets on their phone (same device as passport) and the ticket site could link up with the passport app, authenticate the passport and grant the entry pass to that device. That could cut down on having front line staff having to individually check passports AND tickets. If venues had scanners that work with phones (I think most do?) they could just scan the one barcode which would be the ticket + passport validation."

The excelsior app is already up and running in NY. I have it, it was super easy to get set up, and I have used it at Yankee stadium. Other states are working with IBM on getting it up and running in those states. Clear also has an app that is being used at sporting events and the like (and requiring no fee). I'm sure there are others but I really don't think anything is being underestimated. The tech for ticket integration is in the works and I expect we will see it before the fall. Excelsior was first used at the Buffalo Bills playoff game in January, is now used at MSG, Barclays, Yankee Stadium, etc. The Bills have announced that they will not be admitting anyone who is not vaccinated. 

[bear88]

Posted: 5/3/21 at 3:46am

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and am the sort of person Broadway will need to attract, which doesn't mean I am in any way typical of the average tourist. But I've been making an annual trip to New York City since 2016, not counting last year, and see 3-6 shows while there.

I went to a movie theater on Friday for the first time since the pandemic started, as wife and I are now fully vaccinated, but it was almost empty and strangers were separated by long distances.

For theaters of any sort, that's not a practical business model. And live theater relies on packing the place to make things work at all.

I am looking forward to attending live theater when that's an option, but I have no desire to attend a packed or even crowded theater if I don't have some assurances the people in the theater are fully vaccinated. It wouldn't be fun, and I certainly couldn't justify the costs of a New York City trip so I can feel uneasy.

I responded to one survey from a smaller San Francisco theater asking if I was willing to attend a show in 2021 (yes) and willing to show proof of vaccination (also yes). I added in comments that I'll pass on live performances if everyone in the theater doesn't have proof of vaccination. I was surprised that wasn't on the list of questions, actually, but I did read this story which suggests some resistance even in San Francisco.

https://www.kqed.org/arts/13894324/got-your-proof-of-vaccine-for-the-theater-it-could-be-required

I understand there are logistics to be worked out, but it's just a no-brainer for me. I'll take my chances in a deserted movie theater, or to see a outdoor ballgame, but live theater in a packed house? I want to relax and enjoy myself. Unless COVID-19 vanishes quite soon, which seems unlikely, vaccination proof is just a necessary prerequisite.

I'm still hoping to make a trip to New York City in the spring of 2022. We'll see how it goes, though.