Metro

NYC firms sign up for health app to screen workers for coronavirus

Major New York City-based companies are using a new “Health Pass” app that will enable employees to safely return to their offices while preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

The app — developed by biometric company CLEAR — will link personal health data to verified IDs and screen workers for COVID-19.

The first one million workers employed by participating firms will be able to download the CLEAR app from their smartphone for free from Google Play or the Apple Store and set up their account by uploading ID documents and then snapping a quick selfie.

Workers will be able to link their COVID-19 lab test results to Health Pass.

Employees’ will check their health status from the CLEAR app before gaining clearance to their office.

Upon entry, workers verify their identity with a selfie, answer a few health questions and then approach a CLEAR kiosk, where they receive a temperature check, and get scanned results.

Employees are issued a red or green notification on their Health Pass app — green means clearance to enter the office and red means denial. The boss gets the results.

The National Hockey League used the health app when its teams were in the pandemic “Bubble” during the playoffs.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced a new smartphone app that will alert users if they’ve been in contact with someone who’s been infected with COVID-19.

CLEAR is launching the program in concert with The New York City Partnership, the trade association for the Big Apple’s largest employers and financial services firms.

“The Partnership and its members have always come together to help our city overcome challenges and today, we are proud to stand with them to meet this moment and be a part of a solution to fortify New York City,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker.

“At its core, CLEAR creates safer environments and now we can leverage our technology platform to help New York City return indoors safely.”

NYC Partnership CEO Kathryn Wylde said the health screening will help accelerate New York City’s recovery from the pandemic, which has emptied corporate offices by forcing employees to work from home.

“To recapture the spontaneous and fearless interaction that gives our city its special character, we need the universal health validation that CLEAR can uniquely provide. We appreciate the investment that CLEAR is making in this important pilot which will help ensure the city’s rapid recovery,” Wylde said.

CLEAR emphasized the Health Pass program extends beyond Partnership members and will be open to other firms, cultural and civic institutions across the city.

CLEAR is dedicating a specific percentage of enrollments for small businesses and restaurants and women-and minority-owned businesses.

Those interested in participating can go to clearme.com/nycpartners

City firms already participating include: Related Companies, Deloitte, Skadden Arps, Cushman Wakefield, NBC Universal, The NY Mets, Shubert Theater, Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, the Sept. 11 Museum, Chelsea Market and Guardian Insurance.