Covid-status certificates hang in the balance

Michael Gove has said the decision about whether to introduce Covid-status certificates for UK hospitality venues remains “finely balanced” – insisting that if the scheme does go ahead, it would only be temporary.

The Cabinet Office minister is overseeing a review into the use of Covid-status certificates, previously known as Covid passports, to allow people access to events and venues this summer by proving their vaccination record or recent test results.

Giving evidence to the Commons’ Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs committee, Gove said Covid certificates can “dramatically reduce the risk” of coronavirus spreading, but that “the cost and the hassle factor” are “finely balanced” against the benefits.

He admitted that there were still “significant outstanding factors” to work through, despite the re-worked NHS app already allowing travellers to bring up their vaccine status for international trips.

The review into Covid status certification, which had been due to report this month, has been delayed until after the Commons recess in the week of 7 June. 

Gove did not guarantee a decision or policy will be ready in time for 21 June, saying there was “no ironclad inviolable link” between the introduction of the certificates and the next stage of the roadmap.

Instead, he suggested the certificate scheme might be set up but not introduced until later in the year as an insurance policy against a winter surge.

In an assurance to the libertarian Conservatives who oppose the certificates, he said the scheme is only intended “for a time-limited period” and that he would expect it to be scrapped “later this year or early next” if the virus is under control.

He pointed to Israel, where the use of vaccine “green cards” has been suspended because vaccination rates are high enough and case rates low enough to make them unnecessary.

Gove also said the certificates would only be used for specific purposes – such as to reintroduce “mingling at the bar” in nightclubs and maximum capacity attendance at major sporting events such as the Premier League. He said MPs would be given a vote on the proposal.

He said: “We don’t want to inhibit spontaneity, we just want to work with those who organise venues and activities which are so important to our life to make sure they are as safe as possible.”

Despite Gove’s assurance that the debate over domestic certificates was ongoing, the i found that the government has already signed several vaccine passport contracts, including one worth up to £21m that can be renewed each year.

According to the newspaper, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has signed a contract with HH Associates, a subsidiary of outsourcing firm HH Global, to produce paper vaccine passports for people who do not have access to a smartphone or computer. The agreement is due to expire in May 2022 but can be extended annually.