On June 30, Google announced that Google Pay will now be able to save and display COVID-19 vaccine cards on Android. However, vaccine providers will determine the support for these digital cards. This feature will initially be rolled out only to a few providers in the US.
With the coronavirus pandemic still raging around the world, it is not only important to get vaccinated as soon as possible, but also to be able to prove that you have gotten the vaccine. Considering that it is inconvenient to carry a paper card with details, some local government agencies have come up with digital versions that can be saved on the phone. These digital versions usually have a QR code that can be scanned to view the information.
To simplify this, Google is developing Android’s built-in passes system that will allow Android users to save a digital vaccination card dubbed, the COVID Card on their mobile phones. This feature will be introduced outside the US depending on the support from local governments, healthcare providers, and other organizations that are distributing COVID vaccines. Furthermore, this feature will allow users to even store their COVID test results.
Google Pay Can Now Save And Display COVID Vaccine Cards
In a June 30 blog post, Google’s Irfan Faizullabhoy said that the search engine has updated its Passes API in a bid to simplify and expedite storing and accessing COVID vaccination and testing information on Android devices. Developers from government agencies, healthcare organizations, and authorized organizations, distributing COVID vaccines, will be able to access these APIs.
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The APIs will come in handy for creating a digital variant of COVID vaccination, as well as test information, Faizullabhoy explained. After storing the digital COVID Card on their Android device, users will be able to access it using a shortcut on their phone’s home screen. Accessing the digital card does not require internet service.
However, the device should be running Android 5 or later OS and should be Play Protect certified. It is also worth noting that you can access COVID Cards without installing the Google Pay app. The new ability to save COVID Cards will roll out as an update to Google Pay’s Passes API. APIs enable you to store retailer membership cards and other non-payment cards.
The COVID Card Ensures Privacy And Security Of The Users
Information regarding a user’s COVID vaccination and test and save on their Android devices. However, you can manually store this information on different devices so that you can access it on multiple devices. Moreover, Google does not keep a copy of your COVID vaccination and test details.
You can display COVID Card when needed. Google does not share the COVID Card with third parties or any of its services. Google does not use it to target advertisements either.
You’d need a lock screen to store COVID Card on your device. This will ensure added security and protect your personal information. Furthermore, you’d need a pin, password, or biometric method set up for your mobile phone to access your COVID Card. Qualified providers can sign up to show their interest in having the Passes API on the Google Pay Merchant Help page.
