Mar 24th, 2021
5 mins
To assess the extent to which a domestic system on certification would be effective, the government has launched a call for evidence which can be found at this link . The consultation closes at 11:45 on 29 March 2021.”
Context COVID-status certification involves using testing and vaccination data to confirm in different settings that people have a lower chance of transmitting COVID-19 to others.
The Government committed in the COVID-19 Response Spring 2021 to review the potential role of COVID-status certification as we handle COVID-19 from summer onwards.
Objective
The review will assess whether COVID-status certification could play a role in reopening the economy and society, reducing restrictions on social contact, and improving safety.
Scope:
The review will consider:
- Whether there is a case for introducing COVID-status certification, including: ○ the extent to which certification would be effective in reducing risk, including evidence on the likely clinical and behavioural impacts in different settings taking consideration of emerging evidence on vaccine efficacy, effectiveness, and effect on transmission; ○ the extent to which certification would be effective in reopening parts of the economy and society more quickly and more safely than otherwise; ○ the ethical, equalities, privacy, legal and operational aspects of COVID-status certification; ○ the implications of certification for those unable or unwilling to get vaccinated or tested, including the equalities implications; and ○ the impacts of certification on those groups disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
- The mechanics of how COVID-status certification would work, including: ○ how COVID status would be conferred, including through vaccination and the use of different testing technologies; ○ the mechanisms through which COVID-status could be demonstrated, including technological and non-technological options. ○ what limits, if any, should be placed on which organisations could use certification for which purposes; and ○ for how long the use of COVID-status certification may be relevant.
The review will also consider wider international evidence and best practice. It will be closely integrated with the ongoing work to explore the role that vaccine and/or testing recognition could play in facilitating international travel. The review will also work closely with the Events Research Programme and the review of social distancing.
Governance, Engagement and Timetable
The review will be carried out by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, with close engagement across other Government departments and with the Devolved Administrations, and will report to the Prime Minister. The review will consult widely, drawing on evidence and insights from experts in the relevant fields. The review will report in advance of Step 4 of the Spring 2021 Roadmap.
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