Conversations about vaccine passports in the United States continue to arise. As social distancing and face masks are slowly phased out, some people believe that Americans should have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to enter into certain spaces, businesses, and venues.
Proponents of vaccine passports argue that it’s just about getting back to normal. The many Americans who are against vaccine passports understand the real implications of these devices; vaccine passports would clearly create a two-tier society and pave the way for excluding the unvaccinated. After all, the folks in favor of vaccine passports have made no bones about their support for shunning and isolating unvaccinated individuals.
On Monday, the questions about vaccine passports came up yet again during a White House press conference. Jen Psaki, the press secretary, worked to distance the federal government from any talk of vaccine passports, Washington Examiner confirms.
Psaki on Vaccine Passports and the Federal Government
Yesterday, Psaki took questions from a reporter noting that certain officials have caused for businesses to implement vaccine passports in light of the CDC’s changed guidelines on face coverings.
Psaki, yet again, stated that the White House’s stance on vaccine passports has not changed. The press secretary told the media that the federal government won’t involve itself in any vaccine passport program; however, Psaki also noted that the private sector may choose to embrace and implement vaccine passport programs.
America has been waiting for this day for a long time pic.twitter.com/aiTiAIZzxk
— Jen Psaki (@PressSec) May 13, 2021
Finally, the White House press secretary pushed back against certain claims that the CDC’s new guidelines on mask wearing are reliant upon a honor system. Psaki explained that vaccinated people don’t have to trust that others around them are also immunized. She then declared that wearing a mask provides protection; yet, vaccinated individuals have no need to mask up.
A Rejection of Vaccine Passports
Many Americans are rejecting the notion of vaccine passports and “show me your vaccine passport” requirements to engage in society. In Florida, vaccine passports are outlawed (not just banned via executive order). Also, other states have implemented executive orders to seriously limit the use of vaccine passports.
Leftists be like “carding and voter ID is racist”.
Also Leftists “let me introduce you to a vaccine passport so you can eat at a restaurant”.
— Natalie 🇨🇦 (@iliveasnatalie) May 18, 2021
At this time, businesses that have lifted mask requirements for vaccinated customers have not indicated that they will require proof of vaccination. Proponents of vaccine passports, however, believe that everyone should have to distribute proof that they’ve received a coronavirus vaccine in order to participate in society.
May 11th@ Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting trying to pass a digital vaccine passport.
We're saying 'No!' pic.twitter.com/zSZP4xcOuC— Roof Korean (@RoofKorean7) May 11, 2021
For now, though, the federal government will not play any role in a vaccine passport program. Therefore, the rejection or embrace of vaccine passports ultimately comes down to the state level.
What do you think about the White House’s latest remarks on vaccine passport programs? Weigh in down below in the comments section.
