LONDON – On 5 April, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans for a “COVID status certification” system (vaccine passports) and a “traffic light system” as part of the country’s roadmap out of lockdown. However, these plans are by no means final and many UK MPs have expressed concern about the very idea of “vaccine passports”. The plan, however, is intended to facilitate the safe return of mass events, including conferences, trade shows, sporting events and other events, without the need for social distancing. Johnson’s advice to his own citizens gives us a glimpse into how and when we might see trade shows return to the UK.
Vaccine passports would allow people wanting to travel or attend events to prove they have had a coronavirus vaccine, tested negative for the virus or recently had COVID-19, the latter meaning they have some immunity. Once travel resumes, Britain plans to classify countries in a traffic light system as green, yellow or red based on their vaccination levels, infections and new variants of the virus emerging. People arriving from “green” countries will not be subject to quarantine but will have to be tested, Johnson said.
“We are still a long way from finalising any plans for COVID certification in the UK,” he said.
Vaccine passports: a hot topic
The issue of vaccine passports is a hot topic around the world, raising questions about the right of governments, employers and businesses to know a person’s virus status. The government has acknowledged that vaccine passports are virtually inevitable, with many countries likely requiring proof of COVID-19 status to enter. Mr Johnson also said that banning UK businesses from asking customers for similar proof would be “an unjustified intrusion into how businesses choose to make their premises safe”.
Opposed by a large majority of MPs, including many from Johnson’s Conservative Party, the measure is expected to face strong opposition when it is introduced in parliament later this month. Johnson has acknowledged that vaccine passports raise “complex ethical and practical questions” and that their introduction is by no means certain.
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Later this month, a series of events including football matches, comedy shows and marathons will rely only on testing. In the future, vaccinations and acquired immunity are expected to be alternative ways to demonstrate “safe” status.
When it comes to holiday and other travel plans, Mr Johnson reminded the public at Monday’s press conference to be “realistic” as cases continue to rise in popular destinations. He said he could not give a specific date for when international travel would resume.
“I wish I could tell you more about that,” he said, adding that there was not enough hard data on the virus.