As you will no doubt be aware, on the basis of the latest data, the Prime Minister has confirmed that mandatory use of the NHS COVID Pass will not be introduced at this point.
The Government has explained that the circumstances where it would introduce mandatory vaccine-only COVID-status certification would be as one of a range of “Plan B” measures. These would be implemented if action is required later this autumn or winter to prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS. In contrast to last winter, when businesses were required to close, this approach would allow businesses to remain fully open while protecting our health service.
I fully appreciate the arguments against the use of COVID-status certification, and very much hope that its introduction will not prove to be necessary. However, I do not think we can unequivocally rule it out as a possible tool in the future.
It is important to note that mandatory use of the NHS COVID Pass would be limited to relatively few types of setting, such as nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather. The Government would seek to provide businesses with at least one week’s notice before imposing mandatory certification. Exemptions from the NHS COVID Pass would apply to people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, to those on COVID vaccine trials and to those under the age of 18.
I welcome the fact that the Government has been working with organisations to encourage voluntary use of the NHS COVID Pass. This provides a way to prove vaccination status, natural immunity from Covid-19 or a negative test result. More than 200 events and venues have already used the NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry including at Premier League football matches, the British Grand Prix, Reading and Leeds Festivals and the BBC Proms.
We all want this country to be able to enjoy the fruits of our massive vaccination campaign. But to do that we must all remain cautious, and we must continue to get vaccinated.