TASTE OF FREEDOM
Brits to be given special ‘freedom passes’ to live a normal life – if they have two Covid negative tests in a WEEK
BRITS could be given special 'freedom passes' to allow them to live a relatively normal life - if they have two negative Covid tests in a week.
It's been claimed the proposed plan could be rolled out in the New Year in a bid to reopen society as soon as possible.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
4
that under the plan, people could be given the special passes if they can prove they have been regularly tested.
Those who have been given the all clear would then be given an electronic document to show they have the freedom to roam.
The proposed new rules Boris will announce:
- Tougher three-tier lockdown rules to be revealed as part of Boris' Covid Winter Plan
- He will announce the plans tomorrow in an address to the nation
- The 10pm curfew will be scrapped and pubs and restaurants will now close at 11pm
- People could be banned from seeing their families and friends until Easter under Tier 2 and 3 rules
- Brits will be given special 'freedom passes' to live normal lives if they have two negative Covid tests a week
- Beauty salons, gyms and hairdressers are set to reopen on December 2
- All shops - even in the toughest tiers - will remain open when lockdown ends
- Kids' team sports could return from next month in a boost for grassroots games
- The new rules are set to be suspended for up to five days over Christmas so families can meet indoors
Boris Johnson is set unveil the scheme tomorrow when he addresses the nation over his Covid Winter Plan.
The proposed plans will include the re-introduction of the three tier system once England's lockdown is lifted on December 2.
A source said: "They will allow someone to wander down the streets, and if someone else asks why they are not wearing a mask, they can show the card, letter or an App."
The source added the passes - which could even be a QR code - would allow people "to see their family, and normal social distancing rules will not apply".
The ambitious proposal is said to have the backing of former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
4
4
He has already said he backs "offering people who comply with testing and isolation requirements a 'freedom pass' that removes the requirement to follow lockdown regulations".
And he has been urging the Government to give people a nudge to be tested by allowing them “to go out, shop and go to work” if given the all clear.
However, for the scheme to be a success, millions of tests will have to take place every day.
The scheme is understood to be one of many rolled out by Boris in the Commons tomorrow to curb the spread of the virus.
It is also understood special Covid passport certificates proving Brits have the all-clear are being considered to allow air travel to return to normal.
City sources said companies including De La Rue are discussing certificates guaranteeing travellers have taken tests for the disease and are not infected, reports.
It's thought the documents will contain the holograph and security stamp technology the company incorporated in British passports.
De La Rue lost the contract to Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto two years ago.
The certificates may use photos that have biometric data, such as the distance between facial features, to ensure the identity of the document holder.
It's claimed Cabinet Office officials have approached a number of companies to find out whether the documents could work.
The hopeful news comes just five days after it was reported those who have had the vaccine may get special mobile phone QR codes to allow them access to major sporting events.
Government insiders say those who have been inoculated could be issued with some kind of digital proof showing they are immune from the virus.
4
That could allow them to attend football matches and cultural events currently out of bounds to large crowds.
However, it is reported Whitehall sources insist the controversial idea is still only at the discussion phase.
One minister highlighted the fact that a vaccination requirement for those wanting to attend the Tokyo Olympics had already been suggested.
Most read in News
"I think there are lots of people who think it is a logical extension and lots of people are interested in it," the minister added.
"One way of opening up society would be those people who have had vaccinations carrying some kind of QR code or some sort of immunity certification which shows that they have been tested."
The plan has been drawn up by officials at the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport but has yet to be greenlighted by the government.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Inside the world first UK vaccine trials hoping to infect volunteers with coronavirus
Topics