Excelsior Pass – Liberating proof to free up Big Apple revelers

Most sports fans eager to see a hometown New York game will have to provide proof of vaccinations before entering large arenas or crowded venues. While some may prefer to carry the state issued card they were issued after receiving either of the three vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson — others will choose to store a snapshot on their smart phones.

Anti-vaxxers will have to endure frequent Covid-19 tests proving negative results in order to experience competitions they have been deprived for more than a year.

To expedite the check-in process, reportedly, an informed one million New Yorkers have already downloaded an app enabling receipt of the Excelsior Pass.

Issued in the name of the state mantra, the “Excelsior Pass provides secure, digital proof of Covid-19 vaccination or negative test results.”

According to a statement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the free, downloadable app provides easy access to health status required by airlines, restaurants, movie houses, Broadway theaters, and other venues. Like a passport, the app enables confirmation that the bearer is ‘good to go.’

Detailed information about the Excelsior Pass can be gleaned at epass.nyc.gov

As the season ramps up with irresistibly, alluring, weather conditions, the pass will bolster assurance of safety to restore confidence that normalcy is within reach.

Some large venues — Madison Square Gardens, The Barclay Center, Central Park Summerstage — have implemented entry requirements to determine seating. Segregated in designated areas of status fewer patrons are relegated to the non-vaccinated sections.

While passes are not required everywhere, the extra proof provides a kind of seal of certainty volunteers are willing to brag about.

June marks the mid-point of 2021, with graduations and weddings boosting calendar calls to resume outings to parks, beaches, amusement parks, museums, Yankee and Met Life stadium and other recreational havens.

Not withstanding, proof may soon be required at pop-up stops and smaller venues that host summer film and concert series.

Following a rain-soaked Memorial Day weekend, the next big opportunity to flaunt freedom, fashion and culture will find family and friends frolicking in the sun as if 2020 never happened.

However, a reminder that a pandemic interfered, offers virtual reality to the celebration of June, Black Music Month.

One of the annually anticipated, summer concert series aired on television promise virtual performances from various spaces.

Instead of hosting early Friday morning gatherings at the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series promise a salute to reggae music featuring dancehall dynamos Shaggy, Sean Paul and Spice on June 11.

The following week on June 18, Chance The Rapper will deliver his virtual performance from Chicago beginning at 8:50 am on ABC-TV.

JuneteenthNY.com also slates three days of programmed commemorative offerings marking the 12^th annual anniversary tribute to Juneteenth AKA the Black Independence Day. This year’s theme — “Rebirthing the Roots of Entrepreneurial Excellence” will feature tributes from June 18 to June 20.

Reputed for attracting crowds in Brooklyn of more than 5,000 for the one-day festival of dance, music, poetry, food, theater, history and merchandising, this year’s presentation will include a virtual weekend summit focusing on health and wellness. Beginning on June 18 from 10 am “Health Day-Mind, Body and Soul” slates an enlightening summit helmed by professionals and specialists.

Umoja events on June 19 promise historical reflections of the 1865 date when soldiers in Galveston, Texas alerted the community that the Civil War had ended and that slaves were free to leave the plantations they were restricted.

Unfortunately, the hostaged Africans were never informed about the historic victory. One hundred 56 years later the date is celebrated with food, dancing and celebration of Juneteenth. Facebook and YouTube will stream all three days of the historic commemoration.

As a safeguard, revelers will be required to wear a mask to the outdoor activities.

Excelsior Pass and other proofs of negative test results as well as other forms of anti-coronavirus safeguards are recommended.

Catch You On The Inside!