Vaccine passports will be used to get Brits back into stadiums and events, No10 plan reveals

Those who have tested positive for Covid in past six months could qualify for a so-called vaccine passport
PA

Vaccine passports are set to be introduced in a matter of months to get Brits back into football stadiums, theatres and large events.

A plan published by Number 10 today suggests the Government is on course to introduce Covid certificates in time for the full end of lockdown restrictions on June 21.

It is understood this will take into account three factors to confirm a person is not at risk of transmitting coronavirus.

Covid status will be determined by whether a person has been vaccinated, has had a recent negative test, or has immunity from recently being infected, the government said.

Those who have had Covid will be able to provide proof of their positive test, which is then valid for six months as evidence of antibodies.

Others will have to head to a test centre in the 24 hours before the event they want to attend and get a negative swab.

But the government said Covid certification will only be temporary and not be used for essential public services, such as public transport and essential shops.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there were “ethical and practical issues” with vaccine passports but some test events will be launched in the next few weeks.

He told a Downing Street briefing on Monday: “I want to stress there are complicated ethical and practical issues as I think I said last time raised by the idea of Covid status certification using vaccination alone.

“Many people will be for one reason or another unable to get a vaccine, for medical reasons for instance, or perhaps because they’re pregnant.

“So you have to be very careful how you handle this and don’t start a system that is discriminatory.

“But obviously we are looking at it – we want to be going ahead in the next few weeks with some test events, some pilot events. Big events, getting 20,000 people into Wembley on May 15, that kind of thing.

“Getting people back into theatre, that will unquestionably involve testing to allow the audience really to participate in the numbers that people want.”

The review states: “The success of the UK’s vaccination programme does not provide universal protection.

“While it is certain that vaccines have at least some impact on transmission, the extent of this is still unknown.

“Even after two doses the vaccine will not be 100% effective and some people will not take up the offer of a vaccine.

“As a result, some measures may be required for a period after all adults have been offered a vaccine, in order to prevent a surge in hospitalisations which could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.”

Ministers say vaccine passports will also play a key role in the reopening of international travel, with many countries set to demand them.

The review adds: “It is possible that COVID-status certification could also play a role in reducing social distancing requirements in other settings which people tend to visit more frequently, for example in hospitality settings.

“However, the Government recognises this has significant implications for businesses and their customers, so this will be further considered in consultation with industry.

“The Government believes that COVID-status certification could have an important role to play both domestically and internationally, as a temporary measure.

“It is therefore right that the Government provides a means of easily demonstrating COVID-status, in order to ensure UK citizens and residents are not denied opportunities to travel or attend certain venues or events.”

But Boris Johnson insisted the Government was “some way off finalising any plans” for so-called vaccine passports.

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“The principle of requiring some people to have a certificate to prove they are not passing on the disease, like surgeons who have to prove they are vaccinated against hep B or whatever, that can be a sensible one,” he told a press conference.

“But I want to stress that we are some way off finalising any plans for Covid certification in the UK.

“The crucial thing is for everyone to get out and get their vaccination when you’re asked to come forward and get your second dose when you are asked to come forward.

“The uptake at the moment is fantastic and that is very important that it should continue.

“We are seeing something like 99 point – I can’t remember what it is – 99.7% uptake for the second doses which is terrific and that’s what we want to see.”

Overnight stays away from home in England will be permitted and self-contained accommodation can also reopen, though must only be used by members of the same household or support bubble.

Public buildings such as libraries and community centres will also reopen.

The majority of outdoor settings and attractions can also reopen, including outdoor hospitality, zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances events.

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