As the situation with the global pandemic continues to develop, we’ve seen a variety of changes made and other news announced.
Disney World’s Health and Safety Signs
So far, President Biden has indicated that the U.S. could have enough vaccines for all adults by May, and has directed states to make all adults eligible for the vaccine by May. California and Florida have already started to announce expansions in terms of eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, and Dr. Fauci has indicated that COVID-19 guidelines could loosen by July. And, now we’ve got an update on “vaccine passports” and what you might need to travel or participate in certain activities in the future.
According to The Washington Post, President Biden’s administration along with private companies are “working to develop a way of handling credentials…that would allow Americans to prove they have been vaccinated” against COVID-19. This is what has often been referred to as a “vaccine passport” or what some call “vaccine credentials.” Again, as the Post notes, these would essentially allow individuals to prove they’ve been vaccinated.
Flying On a Pretty Empty Airplane
In February, we shared that there was already some talk of developing vaccine passports which could be required for international travel or large-scale events. It seems now, the effort to develop vaccine passports has gained momentum as the situation with the pandemic continues to develop.
As The Washington Post reports, some officials have indicated that COVID-19 guidelines could be loosened by this summer, and now a growing number of companies have said they will require proof of vaccination before opening up again. For example, Royal Caribbean International had previously indicated that only vaccinated adults (and younger individuals with a negative COVID-19 test) would be allowed to board upcoming cruises. The situation with cruising and when it could start again from the U.S., however, continues to develop.
Orlando International Airport
The U.S. isn’t alone in this vaccine passport effort though. Other countries have been working on their own passport plans. But, U.S. officials say they’re dealing with all kinds of challenges including health-care equity and data privacy. They’re trying to develop a system that Americans can use to prove they’ve been vaccinated, but also want to make sure that the system cannot be easily hacked, that they are preventing against fraud, and that any passports created cannot be easily counterfeited.
There are also a number of different passport initiatives already underway to deal with. In fact, there are apparently at least 17 different passport initiatives underway such as one led by the World Health Organization and a digital pass being created by IBM. Officials have warned about the “confusing array” of efforts that are already underway to create these passports. If the approach to the vaccine passport is too chaotic, some warn it could be ineffective.
Flying to Orlando
According to some slides prepared by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, proof of vaccination may be critical, however, to “restoring baseline population health and promoting safe return to social, commercial, and leisure activities.”
Some officials have indicated that they are concerned with making sure that low-income populations aren’t squeezed out. Micky Tripathi, who was selected by President Biden as the national coordinator for Health IT, said in a recent meeting, “How do we make sure that whatever is available is accessible to everyone so no one is left behind or feeling like they can’t participate in the return of their day-to-day activities?”
Physical Distancing Signs
Some have indicated that these vaccine credentials could also help officials understand COVID-19 vaccinations better, including potential long-term side effects, if the data is connected with some health information.
The Biden administration is expected to provide more information about its efforts relating to the vaccine passport soon.
Distancing Sign
Update: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has indicated that vaccine passports will not be required in the State of Florida. In a recent press conference, DeSantis said, “It’s completely unacceptable for either the government or the private sector to impose upon you the requirement that you show proof of vaccine to just simply be able to participate in normal society.”
Florida Sunset
DeSantis also indicated that he intends to issue an executive order forbidding local governments and businesses in Florida from requiring “vaccine passports” to show that customers have been vaccinated.
Click here to read our full post about DeSantis’ comments.
In other vaccine news, we recently shared that Disney is set to offer payment to Cast Members for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Cast Members at the Boardwalk Bakery
In order to qualify, vaccinations must be completed between January 1 and September 30, 2021.
You can click here to read more about the payment that is set to be offered to Cast Members for receiving the vaccine.
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more updates on this situation and bring you the latest news. Stay tuned for more.
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Yea for Florida’s governor forbidding mandated vaccination passports being required within the state. I hope more states do the same. Otherwise I might be moving there! The government is overstepping by possibly, in a form, forcing a vaccination amongst people in order to travel with a “vaccination passport”.
Ummmm…..yeah no!!! Sounds like to much government over reach.
The government and CDC has not mandated vaccination for covid because it has no cure (just like the flu vaccine is not mandatory because there is no cure). So companies/businesses can not mandate it either and require “proof for entry”.
Ridiculous! Won’t happen.
Why stir the pot when know one has any idea of what will be required to visit WDW? Shame in you for writing this article for click bait. I really thought you were about that
Government overreach is the word! No one should be FORCED to show proof of vaccination. And quite frankly, if ANY travel company or destination tells me that I need proof, I will find another destination who respects my civil liberties. And as much as I love Disney, the second I have to show proof…. is the second we will sadly part ways.
I don’t live in Florida but with a governor like that I definitely will be. 👏🏼
This is a global pandemic, which means that being allowed to travel unfettered as a potential COVID-19 vector is simply irresponsible. This has been proven time and time again by the data: places where restrictions are prematurely lifted have resulted in a pointed increase in infection rates. Every time. COVID variants are a real issue and are created by people not adhering to simple safety guidelines which makes fighting the pandemic harder and harder – and is so easily avoidable. This is not a political issue, but a human one. Vaccination passports would provide safety and confidence in travel and commerce which is exactly what the world needs to return to normal. We all want to go back to our normal lives traveling, supporting businesses by spending money with them. It benefits those businesses, ourselves, and local and global economies. It’s just good for all of us.
Oh sure. Vaccine passport is OK but voter ID is not?