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Clear wants to help businesses track employee COVID-19 cases

May 11, 2020
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3 min read
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Clear plans to join the fight against the spread of COVID-19 by bringing health reporting technology to the workplace.

(Image courtesy of Clear)

The privately owned biometric identity platform is best known for its expedited airport security screening. The company plans to use the same technology to track self-reported health data in the workplace.

Here's how it would work:

Step 1: Download the Clear app to your phone and enroll in Health Pass. Verify your identity and link any partner accounts. In the near future, you'll be able to upload or link your coronavirus-related test results.

Step 2: When you enter a building or venue that requires health clearance, snap a selfie within the location to verify your identity on site. Then complete a real-time health quiz and provide your secure health information via the QR code.

Step 3: Once your identity has been verified and your health results are linked to that profile, walk up to a Clear pod and use either facial recognition or your QR code to share your verified health status. You'll also be asked to check your temperature and gain touchless access. The only information your employer or venue will receive is a yes/no on your health screening; other sensitive details will not be passed along.

Where can I use Health Pass by Clear?

Health Pass doesn't have a roster of partner businesses, although Clear told media company Axios that potential partners include restaurateur Danny Meyer, the New York Mets and the Las Vegas COVID-19 recovery task force. Members could already use Clear outside of the airport at a number of locations — at least before the coronavirus quarantine went into effect. For example at Met's stadium at Citi Field.

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Related: Here's where you can use Clear outside of the airport

Will Health Pass by Clear actually work?

In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned against "immunity passports," stating that there's "currently no evidence" that recovered individuals can't become reinfected.

Currently, most individuals don't have access to reliable tests within the U.S. TPG himself, Brian Kelly, recently took two separate COVID-19 antibody tests — and got different results each time. Because Clear's biometric reporting tool relies on self-reported health information, and later on will rely on medical tests, Health Pass by Clear can provide a false sense of security where there may still be a very real risk of infection.

Bottom line

Like many of you, we at TPG can't wait to get back to the skies -- or even back into our offices for some face time with our coworkers. Much is still unknown about the coronavirus and nothing will improve until scientists have more accurate data or an effective vaccine. Health Pass by Clear might be a useful tool down the road — but it's important to remember that self-reported or untrustworthy data means next to nothing, and could potentially be more dangerous than no information at all.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.