Ticketmaster has announced a new plan aimed at fan safety that uses smart phones to verify fans' vaccination status or whether they've tested negative for the coronavirus within a 24 to 72 hour window.
Many details of the plan still aren't clear since the plan is still being developed, but it seems to rely on three separate components: the Ticketmaster app, vaccine providers, and a health app. In order to enter a show, you would have to provide proof that you've been vaccinated, or show proof of negative covid test results within 24-72 hours depending on the rules in your state.
Ticketmaster says they would not have access to fans' health information; only confirmation that a fan is cleared to enter the venue. As of right now, the FDA hasn't approved an app for this use, nor has a vaccine been made available, though news came out this week that Pfizer has a vaccine that has shown to be over 90% effective, and could be available early next year if approved by the FDA.
You can read more about the plan HERE.
Like you, I'm sure, I have a lot of questions. Namely, who pays for the tests? If I choose not to get the vaccine for whatever reason, and have to take a test, is that cost included in my ticket? Is there some kind of bulk discount? Can I be reimbursed? Some government-run testing facilities offer the test for free, but I'm assuming that once corona has been downgraded from "pandemic" status, those state-run free test sites will probably start to disappear, and patients will have to pay for the test on their own.
What if I test positive for antibodies? Do I still have to have a vaccine, or a covid test? Or will the presence of antibodies suffice?
We're in pretty wild, unprecedented territory here. I know the idea of a covid-free concert sounds great, but where does this end? At what point will we have to test negative for the flu, Hepatitis A, or other infections? I just don't like the territory that this is treading into. Call me crazy if you want, but it seems to me that Ticketmaster is overstepping their bounds.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. You don't have to agree with me! Feel free to leave a comment.
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