It appears that the UK intends to test “coronavirus status certifications” over the next few weeks to determine whether or not people can return to mass gatherings, such as concerts, sporting events and nightclubs.
The Associated Press reports that studies will gather evidence on how various factors affecting events such as ventilation and social distancing could allow major events to resume, citing British authorities. People who participate in such events in April and will still have to be tested for coronavirus before and after participation.
British officials are also looking at COVID-19 passports that will show whether or not a person has been vaccinated, recently received a COVID-19 test, or has a form of immunity to either a disease or immunization virus, according to AP
Permits may involve the use of an application or physical notes for those who do not have access to the technology.
UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston told reporters that “the first drivers will almost certainly not involve any certification” and will test before and after the events. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to share more details about the plan on Monday, reports AP.
“We are doing everything we can to allow our country to reopen so that people can return to the events, trips and other things they love as safely as possible, and these reviews will play an important role in allowing this to happen. “Johnson said, according to the AP.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Kingdom has confirmed more than 4.3 million cases of coronavirus and more than 126,000 deaths, leaving it as the most affected European country. Up to 35 million doses of coronavirus vaccine have been administered to date.
The idea of coronavirus passports has been a topic of debate in the United States, with many GOP lawmakers coming out against it. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki
Jen PsakiHarris in a difficult lead role at the border DeSantis issues executive order banning vaccination passports White House delays release of budget plan MORE said there are currently no plans for a federal mandate requiring individuals to obtain immunization credentials and that there will be no centralized federal database.
However, it was reported last week that the White House is working with private companies to develop a standard of accreditation for the vaccine. The Washington Post reports that the initiative will involve free applications that can display a scannable code similar to that of an airline boarding pass.