New York State announced digital Covid-19 vaccination credentials issued from Canadian provinces and territories that adhere to SMART Health Cards specifications will immediately be accepted through the state’s Excelsior Pass Scanner application. Following the reopening of the US- Canadian border, this means fully vaccinated Canadians can use their compatible vaccination credentials for business entry in New York. As of November 9th, seven provinces and territories in Canada issue vaccine certificates that meet the state’s criteria. This includes Québec, Manitoba, Yukon, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland, and Labrador. Additional Canadian provinces and territories are expected to follow and will be announced soon.
“With the border reopened, this important partnership will accelerate the return of critical business, commerce, and economic development activity. This is significant news for so many Canadians and the New York businesses and corporations who employ and stand ready to welcome them who can now do so safely. Because of the constant innovation of our Excelsior Pass platform, New York State continues to build tools that meet the needs of today as well as the emerging needs of tomorrow for individuals and businesses alike”, said New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
The lifting of the international travel ban comes at the perfect time for the stressed hospitality industry looking for a robust holiday travel and shopping season to get back on track. Per the US Travel Association, the pandemic resulted in losses of almost $300 billion in visitor spending and over one million American jobs.
Also, Governor Hochul signed legislation (S5486 Kennedy/A6295 Lupardo) that will allow drivers between the ages of 18 and 20, after completion of a rigorous training program, to obtain their Class A CDL for intrastate operation. New York becomes the 50th state to allow individuals under the age of 21 to obtain a Class A CDL for operation within the state’s borders.
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