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Lots of sizzle, very little actual meat

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* A Center Square headline appears ready-made for maximum social media exposure…

Pritzker in favor of passport to show COVID-19 vaccination status

* From the story…

As for a vaccination passport to prove a person has been inoculated against the coronavirus, Pritzker says a vaccination app would be useful, but should not be required to enter an event or facility.

“As long as it is your choice,” Pritzker said. “If people ask you to show that for a particular venue or private venue, they have the ability and right to do that. You don’t have to show that to them. You don’t have to be to go to that venue or be engaged in that activity.” […]

The U.S. is not distributing vaccination passports and there are concerns over falsified records and also potentially violating federal health care privacy laws.

U.S. Airlines and others in the travel industry are voicing support for vaccine passports to boost pandemic-depressed travel, and officials in Europe have been talking about the idea in time for the peak summer vacation season.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 8:47 am

Comments

I was having a conversation about this yesterday with someone.

“He is a dictator. This is absurd. I should have a choice.”

“You do have a choice. Nobody is forcing you to do anything.”

“But I have to show a vaccine to get into a concert. That’s forcing me to get a vaccine.”

“You still have the choice to get the vaccine or not. Other people also have the choice to allow you to come onto their property or not.”

It’s not that people like this want the choice. They want their choice to be free of any consequences they do not like.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:02 am
We never even got a COVID contact-tracing app. I don’t hold out much hope for this.

Comment by ChuckIL Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:04 am
Good for US Airlines and the others. If a stronger mutation wins the race against achieving herd immunity, it will be because of half-baked measures like what JB proposes. Polling consistently tells us that a large percentage of the population has no intention of getting vaccinated - if you don’t coerce them with things like inability to fly airplanes, attend indoor concerts, etc. what’s your plan to defeat this virus? We know how far JB’s endless “people have to understand…” exhortations worked.

Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:08 am
If the goal was to raise angst with the sizzle but back off what they know the quote actually says… then this is that writing.

Of course that’s not a good way to instill a sense of honesty to thought for a news group, but…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:10 am
2 things: 1) The Center Square is not a news group. They are Fox-Newsmax-OAN wannabes. 2) In Sangamon County (I was vaccinated at the State Fair), they gave us these little yellow cards that could serve as vaccination “passports.” They have the dates and lot numbers of which vaccine we received.

Comment by Can Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:15 am
In the age of equity mandating vaccination passports would be the most inequitable policy since redlining.

Comment by 1st Ward Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:16 am
The invisible man has been talking with the straw man. Interesting.

Comment by Franklin Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:18 am
BREAKING NEWS: JB PRITZKER IN FAVOR OF COMMON SENSE THING

Comment by dan l Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:18 am
“Headline Contradicts Contents of the Article”… this is modern journalism at its worst.

Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:19 am
You can choose not to get vaccinated. It’s a choice.

You can be denied things like employment or concert attending, due to your choices.

The consequences of a choice.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:20 am
If only everyone had a choice to not deal with the people who won’t get vaccinated.

Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:26 am
I think George Jones sang it best, I’ve had choices since the day that I was born.

Comment by Nieva Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:34 am
Passport? I was promised a barcoded forehead tattoo /s

Seriously, like OW says, choices and consequences go together. Certainly one’s own choices, and unfortunately sometimes other peoples’ choices as well. Don’t want the government to take your picture? Can’t drive on public roads. I don’t see this as a whole lot different. There is no constitutional right to air travel, concert admittance, etc.

Comment by Dysfunction Junction Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:37 am
I wonder if a company/service like Clear is what a digital vaccine passport would look like. Outside of their paid Airport subscription service which is like a souped-up TSA Pre-Check, they do faster security check-ins at many stadiums across the country that is free to sign up for.

Comment by Hot Taeks Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:42 am
Nobody is forcing anyone to get a vaccine if they choose not to. Conversely, private businesses should not be forced to accept a customer who chooses not to wear a mask or be vaccinated if they choose not to. Simple as that.

Comment by Stones Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:42 am
I think the lyrics of that song are apt for the situation in which we find ourselves.

“Living and dying with the choices I’ve made”

Choices have consequences. It has been obvious from the beginning of this and it bears repeating, do not make others suffer the consequences of your choices.

Comment by WhyBecauseUnknown Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:48 am
Rich, any idea where Jim Moran went?

He was the last reporter IRN had that simply reported stories w/o the “Illinois is bad” angle.

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:48 am
Agreed that, today, the vaccine is a choice and choices = consequences, particularly in the private sector. But I’d going further - I would take public resources away from those choosing not to get vaccinated. We do it already - no mumps shot, no public school even though you pay taxes. I’d wait until vax goes from “experimental” to final FDA status but government, not just private industry, should impose consequences on those who choose to endanger the public health by refusing vax.

The more interesting question is what public resource do you deny to adult non-vaxxers? Maybe take the more assertive tack of a “non-vax tax,’ taking your 4.95% up to 5.95% - that would cause a ruckus I’m sure.

Comment by WestBurbs Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:52 am
The good news; you can have your free vax passport.

The bad news; it’s administered by the FOID card office.

Comment by Give Us Barabbas Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:57 am
We just booked a trip to Maine for late July. The Maine office of tourism says right up front, you either produce a negative COVID test from the last 5 days or proof of a vaccine or you will not be allowed to check into any lodging in Maine. Period.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:07 am
None of us would argue that the classic restaurant ‘No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service’ sign is a denial of freedom of choice. Same with the vaccination requirement to enter privately-owned venues.

Comment by SouthSide Markie Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:12 am
We have to show vaccination records for kids to attend schools so this is all hogwash about being a problem. Counterfeits can be made of anything from drivers licenses to whatever so do we stop issuing drivers licences? Make the punishment worthy enough and that impacts counterfeiting.

Comment by truthteller Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:15 am
Two things:
1. If we will be required to have a Real ID (or passport) to travel domestically, could the SOS add a box indicating we have been COVID vaccinated? The card I have does not fit well in my wallet.
2. Waiting for the pro teams, theatres and churches to have two areas; one reduced capacity for those who do not vaccinate; one area full capacity for those who have.

Comment by bogey golfer Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:32 am
=None of us would argue that the classic restaurant ‘No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service’ sign is a denial of freedom of choice. Same with the vaccination requirement to enter privately-owned venues.=

So very well stated. Seriously, bravo.

I had a conversation with a person I like but doesn’t like the vaccine or the mask mandate. He said it violates his personal liberties. I said that wearing pants violates mine. He said that was ridiculous. I said…exactly.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:36 am
==mandating vaccination passports would be the most inequitable policy since redlining.==

That’s in poor taste to compare the results of a personal choice to something imposed on minorities against their will, especially after vaccines become readily available in the near term. The voluntary self-segregation that someone wants to do to avoid a vaccine is their own choice. Keeping the unvaccinated away from me is my choice. A business is going to have to choose between me and them, and there will be more of the vaccinated than the nonvaccinated.

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:44 am
As the great Homer Simpson once lamented -
“Oh, why do all my decisions have consequences?”

Comment by Drake Mallard Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:45 am
I have been vaccinated but will show my card to no one.

Comment by Blue Dog Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:12 am
=== I have been vaccinated but will show my card to no one.===

Of course you’re “this person”, coulda called it a long time ago.

You’re also the person that will eventually complain if it’s required to be shown by a private entity you like or frequent.

It’s who you are.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:16 am
…..eventually complain…….nope. Just don’t/won’t patronize.

Comment by Blue Dog Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:20 am
Yes, Virginia, actions (or failure to take actions) have consequences. So if you don’t get vaccinated, you can be barred by a private business. Works for me. I mean, “freedom to spread disease” is not without consequences, and at least this consequence falls on the poor decision maker, not innocent victims. Wanna go to games and concerts? You have a choice.

Comment by thisjustinagain Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:20 am
==I have been vaccinated but will show my card to no one.==

What a goofy thing to say.

Comment by don the legend Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:21 am
=== …..eventually complain…….nope. Just don’t/won’t patronize.===

Perfect. Now you get it. They don’t want you to patronize.

Kinda works out for everyone.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:21 am
== it appears few, if any ,businesses care about a vaccine card.==

You said you will show your card to no one. So why do you care about what any businesses are doing?

Comment by don the legend Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:29 am
“If we will be required to have a Real ID (or passport) to travel domestically, could the SOS add a box indicating we have been COVID vaccinated?”

I wouldn’t hold your breath. Congress passed Real-ID in 2005. It’s 2021 still hasn’t been fully implemented. Check back in 10 - 15 years to see if the Legislature and SoS could figure out how to add a box to an ID.

Comment by 1st Ward Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:39 am
=None of us would argue that the classic restaurant ‘No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service’ sign is a denial of freedom of choice.=

Just to be contrary, will disagree. The sign denies me the choice to dine in a restaurant attired as I wish.

Isn’t the customer always right? Shouldn’t a proprietor accommodate a patron?

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:09 pm
In the folks I deal with on a regular basis, those who say they will never get the vaccine and if they do get forced to have one won’t show proof to anyone seem to also be the ones who complain that “people shouldn’t get to vote without showing an ID “. Against “Big Government”, unless it fits the tenets of their belief system. A pretty big disconnect there IMO

Comment by Roadiepig Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:17 pm
There should be some kind of waiver, like the event holder is not responsible for what happens to unvaccinated people. You can’t be a COVID denier, refuse a vaccine and then sue due to your own carelessness.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:31 pm
Somewhat unfortunate in that the anti-vaxxers are most in need of further education /S

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/25/rutgers-university-to-require-covid-vaccine-for-students-returning-to-campus-in-the-fall-.html

Comment by WestBurbs Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:31 pm
“I have been vaccinated but will show my card to no one.”

How about next time you are at the bank tell them I have an account but won’t show my ID to anyone.

Let us know how that works out tough guy.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:36 pm
A part of me is happy that half the population doesn’t want the Vaccine because I was finally able to get my first dose at the United Center and will have my second dose in a little over two weeks. My Mom in her 90s finally was able to get hers and over half of my very large family is fully vaccinated and a few of us are partially vaccinated and the others are desperate to be vaccinated.

Ok, I may be selfish here but ai want my family and friends all vaccinated and it is easier if half the population is still not trying. I do hope that most of them do eventually decide to get vaccinated. By the way, we are of all political strips in my family so it is not political to us. No matter our politics, we all want the Vaccine.

Comment by Jason Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:40 pm
==I have been vaccinated but will show my card to no one.==

If you’re tired of being in a society I know of at least one vacant cabin in Lincoln, Montana.

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 1:03 pm
We probably shouldn’t be referring to this as a vaccine passport as a passport is literally something we use to establish international travel. The discussion about having vaccines as an imposed limitation on international travel is separate from whether or not a state can implement a COVID-19 vaccination card, beyond what is provided when people receive their vaccine. The card should be sufficient for almost all domestic purposes, especially when combined with a photo ID. Is it easy to forge? Sure, but lets hope there’s not a whole lot of demand for fake and forged vaccination cards.

In my younger days when I was more prone to ambitious dreams, I carried a little yellow booklet inside of my passport that attested to all of my required and recommended vaccines for travel.

But requiring a vaccine for travel internationally literally requires treaties.

===I have been vaccinated but will show my card to no one. ===

Okay, Karen. Try not to go viral by yelling at a barista.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 1:21 pm
==I have been vaccinated but will show my card to no one.==

I agree with Blue Dog. The card has personal information listed on it that can be used for identity theft.

This isn’t a karen knee jerk reaction. It is a means to protect myself.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 2:28 pm
==Jason== Agree, I appreciate all those who stepped aside for others to get the vaccine. Downside is the virus will keep percolating in those people and variants will evolve. Annual Covid shot rest of my life.

Comment by Anotheretiree Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 2:31 pm
Huh?, would you show it if it only had your name, or would you think of another reason?

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 2:34 pm
Check out Safer Illinois in the app store. It is what UIUC is using to confirm that students and staff have tested negative recently. It is open source and totally available to roll out for the entire state (and beyond). It uses a changing animated color to prove it is not a screenshot, and a QR to scan at the door to buildings to verify the status real-time. They even have a printable daily “boarding pass” for times when a phone is not an option.

It may not be perfectly secure, but it covers the most likely sources of widespread fake passes. It also does not reveal any personal info (you status could be due to vaccine, recent negative test, recent case of COVID, etc.). The biggest challenge would be linking a person to their vaccine status via state ID and IDPH data, or employing people to manually verify documents. And, of course, not every business or venue can, would, or should use it.

Comment by thechampaignlife Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 3:10 pm
Jibba - yes. I would show it if there wasn’t any sensitive information listed.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 4:24 pm
==The card has personal information listed on it that can be used for identity theft.==

What personal information. Mine has my name and birthdate. My driver’s license has more on it than that and I have to show that for all kinds of things.

I think some of you need to come back to the real world and not the world of conspiracies.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 4:25 pm
== Isn’t the customer always right? Shouldn’t a proprietor accommodate a patron? ==

No. The customer is not right when the customer’s actions negatively impact a business. Eating in a restaurant without a shirt on creates a health risk and other patrons don’t want to eat there with that diner present. Same with non-vaxers.

A person gets to do with his/her business as they please, within the confines of the law. This is within the confines of the law.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 4:31 pm
Anon at 431 was me. Sorry for hitting the send button before identifying myself.

Comment by SouthSide Markie Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 4:32 pm
Other commentators are completely correct, today’s conservatives who scream “personal freedom” want choices without consequences and hypocritically have thrown personal responsibility by the wayside. I’m fully on board with private businesses being able to prohibit people who choose not to get vaccinated and using it as an incentive for people to get vaccinated. I’m sure health insurance companies are not enthused about expensive medical bills from people who refuse to get vaccinated and then end up with serious medical complications like Comptroller Mendoza’s brother. In fact, I don’t know if health insurance companies should be forced to cover those costs.

Comment by MyTwoCents Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 4:57 pm
My two cents,it is not only Conservatives. I remember many people on the left not trusting the Vaccine last year.

Comment by Jason Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:48 pm