The Department of Health has launched the new COVID-19 vaccine certificate, and some experts are speculating that it might just be South Africa’s golden ticket to getting off the UK’s red list.
According to the Department of Health, citizens can use the certificate to navigate travel, attain access to establishments and gatherings and other activities where vaccination status is required.
In short, users create a QR code, which portrays their vaxx status, and the gates of opportunity open.
Creating the QR code isn’t rocket science either. Just some user generated information, like ID numbers and Electronic Vaccination details. A one-time pin confirms the information, and that pin allows access to the final code. Only fully vaccinated people can create their certificate, however.
According to President Ramaphosa, the certificate could open up the events and travel industry in SA, as per Business Insider. However, Nicholas Crisp, a doctor who recently headed a team of local officials and scientists with Britain’s Int Bio Security Centre, expressed that it might just be a ticket to international travel to the UK.
Currently, South Africa is still sitting on the UK’s red list. Crisp notes, as per the Daily Maverick that the certificates had been discussed recently in talks regarding South Africa and British travel restrictions.
The UK High Commission noted in a tweet that Britain “values its long and important relationship with South Africa …” and doesn’t want the current travel restrictions to be in place any longer than necessary, recognizing the disruption they cause.
According to the government, “streamlining and standardizing proof of vaccination will also go a long way towards getting several international travel restrictions both from and into our country eased.”
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