Covid passports: Certification is ‘one option’, vaccines minister says
It would be “remiss” of the government not to consider Covid certification as a way of fully reopening the economy, Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi says.
Amid criticism of the plans, Mr Zahawi said: “It’s only right that we look at all these options that are available to us to take our lives back.”
The government said certificates showing vaccination, test or immunity status could “provide reassurance”.
Speaking on Monday, PM Boris Johnson did not rule out the idea.
But many MPs have criticised the plans, with senior Tory backbencher Mark Harper warning it could lead to a “two-tier” Britain, and calling for a vote on the issue.
Mr Zahawi was keen to point out that the concept of using Covid certificates – also referred to as passports – to allow international travel was distinct from a review of using them within the UK.
“But I think it would be remiss and irresponsible for us to not look at all these things,” he told BBC Breakfast, adding that any certificate would show test results because testing is available to all, unlike vaccines.
But he stressed they would not be needed for the reopening of outdoor hospitality or non-essential retail on 12 April or indoor hospitality from 17 May.
Mr Zahawi told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the use of certificates domestically “does raise a number of ethical issues”.
Government scientific advisers have warned indoor mixing later in the year would be “highly likely” to lead to a resurgence in hospitalisations and deaths.
Mr Zahawi said the prediction – by SPI-M, a group that feeds into the government’s scientific advisory group, Sage – was why England’s roadmap out of lockdown had five-week intervals.
The UK government said it was working with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to seek a “consistent approach”.
Mr Johnson has the power to set public health regulations for England, but it is a devolved power in the other UK nations.
A government review is currently being carried out to see how certificates that show testing status could work in England – and they are going to be trialled at upcoming events including the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
A series of trials – including comedy nights and a large nightclub event – are also planned in Liverpool to see whether requiring participants to have a negative test can allow big indoor gatherings to be held more safely.
No decision has yet been made on whether Covid status certificates – which will also record whether a person is vaccinated – will be introduced, but the government has now published an update on its review.
It said they could play a role in allowing people to return to theatres, nightclubs and mass events like festivals, and could allow social distancing to be relaxed in hospitality venues.
“Even without government intervention, Covid status certification is likely to become a feature of our lives until the threat from the pandemic recedes,” it added.
Agencies