The UK government is reported to be developing a new system that leverages QR codes to validate whether people have taken the COVID-19 vaccine before they are allowed to attend public events, such as sports, concerts, and public gatherings.
Here’s what the Mail reported: “The unique codes would only be given to those who have been vaccinated against coronavirus, under plans being considered by ministers, to signal they can attend large gatherings currently to be ‘high risk.’”
According to a report from a close source to the government, it was revealed that individuals refusing to undergo COVID-19 vaccination may be barred from attending public gatherings altogether as they won’t be able to display the QR code.
The plan would potentially require people that have gotten vaccinated against COVID-19 to be provided with a unique QR code that would be used to authenticate their vaccination status. What’s more, it is also being speculated that this move could be enforced through the controversial “track and trace app” by the NHS.
The QR code idea is just one among the several latest developments aimed at pushing COVID-19 vaccines at a national scale in the UK. Just this Monday, a British MP faced intense backlash as he suggested that working individuals cannot physically go to their workplaces unless they show proof of vaccination, once the vaccine is made available.
“If vaccination works and if we’re confident it’s safe, and all indications so far are good, then I can certainly see the day when businesses say: ‘Look, you’ve got to return to the office and if you’re not vaccinated you’re not coming in,’” said Tom Tugendhat.
Even airlines for that matter, are likely to require their passengers to sign up for what’s being referred to as a “health pass.” This pass is said to include a digital certificate stating proof of vaccination.
