According to reports, the UK plans to test “coronavirus status certifications” in the coming weeks to determine if people can return to mass gatherings, such as concerts, sporting events and nightclubs.
The Associated Press reports that the trials will gather evidence on how different factors affecting events such as ventilation and social distancing could lead to the resumption of major events, citing British authorities. People attending these events in April and May will need to get tested for coronavirus before and after attending.
British officials are also studying COVID-19 passports that show whether a person has been vaccinated, has recently received a COVID-19 test or has some form of immunity to the virus from illness or vaccination, according to the AP.
Passes 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 riders will almost certainly not involve any element of 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, the AP reports.
“We’re doing everything we can to allow our country to reopen so that people can return to events, travel and other things they love as safely as possible, and those reviews will play an important role in making that 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. To date, more than 35 million doses of coronavirus vaccine have been administered.
The idea of coronavirus passports has been a topic of debate in the United States, with many Republican lawmakers opposing it. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki
Jen PsakiHarris in a difficult lead role at the border DeSantis issues executive order banning vaccine passports The White House delays the publication of the budget plan MORE he has said there are currently no plans for a federal mandate that requires people to obtain vaccine 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 vaccine credential standard. The Washington Post reports that the initiative will include free apps that can display a scannable code similar to that of an airline boarding pass.