Government calls for evidence as it considers impact of 'vaccine passports'

In a statement the Government has said it is particularly seeking views from organisations and individuals that would be impacted by the introduction of Covid-status certification, such as hospitality businesses.

As part of its four-stage roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions in England, the Government has committed to reviewing​​ whether Covid-status certification - commonly referred to as a 'vaccine passport' - could play a role in the full reopening of the economy.

Covid-status certification involves using testing or vaccination data to confirm in different settings that people have a lower risk of transmitting Covid-19 to others.

The review - led by Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove - is considering the ethical, equalities, privacy, legal and operational aspects of a possible certification scheme, and what limits, if any, should be placed on organisations using certification.

Gove said: "This review into Covid-status certification is an important part of our plan to help reopen the country and return to normal.

"However, we recognise that there are complex issues of ethics, privacy and inclusion that need to be fully considered.

"That is why I want to get as many views as possible on Covid-status certification and its potential implications to help inform the review."

The Government has committed to concluding its review into Covid-status certification ahead of step four of the four-stage lockdown easing plan, which will happen no earlier than 21 June.

For more information on the call for evidence, click here​​.