UK ditches plans for vaccine passports at crowded venues
Authorities in Britain have decided not to require vaccine passports for entry into nightclubs and other crowded events in England, Britain's health secretary said Sunday, reversing course amid opposition from some of the Conservative government's supporters in Parliament.
Health Minister Sajid Javid said the government has shelved the idea of vaccine passports for now but could reconsider the decision if COVID-19 cases rise exponentially once again.
"We've looked at it properly and whilst we should keep it in reserve as a potential option, I'm pleased to say that we will not be going ahead with plans for vaccine passports,'' Javid told the BBC.
The U-turn came just days after both the government's vaccines minister and the culture secretary suggested that vaccine passports would still be necessary, despite growing opposition from lawmakers.
In particular, members of the governing Conservative Party have objected to such passports as an unacceptable burden on businesses and an infringement on residents' human rights.
The idea of requiring people to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test for COVID-19 has been uncomfortable for many in Britain, where people generally aren't required to carry identification documents.
Other European nations are using similar documents showing peoples' vaccination status as a way to re-open society—although the rules vary widely. Each of Germany's 16 states has slightly different rules on what is required, but in general, people are required to show a negative test, vaccine or recovery certificate before being allowed to participate in indoor dining, drinking or dancing.
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Members of Indian cricket team including Ishant Sharma, centre right, leave The Edwardian Manchester hotel where the team were staying in Manchester, England, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. The fifth and final test of the cricket series between England and India was cancelled on Friday in Manchester amid health concerns among India's players following a coronavirus outbreak in their camp. Credit: AP Photo/Jon Super -
Members of the public watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London, Monday August 23, 2021, which is taking place for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Credit: AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali -
In this Wednesday, June 30, 2021 file photo, Britain's newly appointed Health Secretary Sajid Javid looks at photographers as he puts on a face mask to curb the spread of coronavirus as he gets into his ministerial vehicle after leaving 10 Downing Street in London. Britain's health secretary said Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 that authorities have decided not to require vaccine passports for entry into nightclubs and other crowded events in England, reversing course amid opposition from some of the government's supporters in Parliament. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File
Passes are required in France when frequenting bars, cafes, restaurants, museums and other places where the public gathers and for long-distance travel on buses, trains and planes. In Italy, where discos have not re-opened since the start of the pandemic, so-called Green Passes are required to dine indoors, attend a concert or for domestic travel by trains, buses, planes or ferries, although local transport is exempt.
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