Covid vaccine passports could be compulsory for pubs and nightclubs after lockdown ends on July 19
COVID vaccine passports could be made compulsory for pubs and nightclubs after lockdown ends on July 19.
Boris Johnson tonight confirmed that “freedom day” will go ahead next Monday - but some measures could be introduced to stop the spread of the bug.
Under current rules, vaccine passports are only encouraged and not legally enforced.
But new guidance released today by the government states: “If sufficient measures are not taken to limit infection, the Government will consider mandating the NHS COVID Pass in certain venues at a later date.”
Downing Street said today businesses can make Covid status checks a condition of entry.
It means Brits could need to prove they are double-vaccinated, provide a negative Covid test in the past 48 hours or a positive PCR result within the previous six months.
In a statement to the House of Commons this afternoon, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said large venues should check customers' Covid certification before granting entry.
Any venue or event, including pubs, could be urged to use Covid passports as part of government plans.
Mr Javid said the government will publish guidance "encouraging businesses and large events to use certification in high risk settings to limit the risk of spreading the infection".
"This is not the end of the road, it's the start of a new phase of continued caution," Javid said, as he revealed more details on the final stage of the roadmap out of lockdown.
Clubbers may have to show their coronavirus status through the main NHS app, not the Covid app.
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The certification has been piloted through the Events Research Programme.
However, clubbers won't have to wear face coverings as the end of mandatory mask wearing has been extended to the sector.
In another announcements...
- Large venues like nightclubs will be urged to use "Covid certification"
- Ministers will encourage a "gradual return" to the workplace this summer
- Masks will be recommended in crowded settings like public transport
- A review of all the rules will take place before September 23
- Scientists expect Covid cases, hospitalisations and deaths to go up
- New advice for the most vulnerable people will be issued imminently
- NHS workers will be exempt from self-isolation if pinged
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson tonight begged Brits not to go crazy next week as Covid restrictions are eased - and stressed July 19 should not be “treated as a great jubilee”.
The PM said: “It is absolutely vital that we proceed now with caution and I cannot say this powerfully or emphatically enough: this pandemic is not over.
“This disease, coronavirus, continues to carry risks for you and your family.
“We cannot simply revert instantly from Monday July 19 to life as it was before Covid."
It comes as concerns have mounted over rising coronavirus cases, due to highly-contagious Delta variant.
But the UK's vaccine rollout has seen the risk of deaths or hospitalisation from the disease tumble.
Last month it was reported that ministers were not planning on asking clubbers for Covid certification.
The spike in cases has prompted the government to change its approach to Covid passport rules for nightclubs.
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The Health Secretary also confirmed that the wearing of face masks will be "encouraged" on public transport, but won't be mandatory from Monday.
He also revealed that the easing of restrictions will be reviewed by September 23, sparking fears that strict rules could return if hospitalisations and deaths spike.