Are Immunity Passports a Gateway for Future Travelling?
Easing of international travel restrictions has speeded the popularity of immunity passports all over the world. While researchers are still sceptical if people already affected with the coronavirus are immune to it for life, several countries are seriously considering the use of ‘immunity passports’. Also known as ‘risk-free certificates’, the immunity passports are given to people who have tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies.
In a move to best utilise those already recovered by the virus, El Salvador has decided to give immunity passports and allow such people to be hired by the government. With these passports, President Nayib Bukele claims these people will be having special privileges that are not enjoyed by the remaining population.
In a recent television interview, Bukele spoke about the government’s plans to take help from these people in distributing medical kits and food aid to households affected by Covid-19.
The digital ID immunity passports are being tested in other parts of the world too. A Switzerland-based cybersecurity and Internet of Things company has recently released an app called WIShelter which “includes the ability for users to upload and digitally certify the results of their COVID-19 test facilitating international travel as users can certify that they are not infected with the COVID-19”.
With the help of these digital ID tools, travel will be made lot easier as health data can be shown to employers, airlines and other organisations. Following the trend of immunity passports, a UK-based firm — VST Enterprises has come up with a digital health passport product named as Covid — Pass to nearly 15 countries including Canada, India and France. This passport can ensure an early comeback of sporting events like football, golf and car racing.
Even though most countries rely on positive antibody test results, many believe in testing travellers with an accurate nose swab molecular test (PCR test). A medical clinic and hotel in Spain — Sha Wellness Clinic has mandated visitors to show two negative tests at the time of entry. The first test has to be done several days before arrival and other one at the time of checking in. With such strict safety measures in place, Spain should be included on your future travel list.
Similar to Estonia’s immunity passport system, Chile has come up with a re-release certificate. While governments around the world are opting for different ways to kick start travel, immunity passports do not seem to be a long run solution because of the loopholes in their usage and distribution. In a way, vaccination certificates incentivise individuals to obtain vaccination against the virus, which is actually great for the community. But the immunity passports incentivise infection.
Instead of opting for immunity passports, travellers must look for digital ‘health passports’ that will not only provide positive antibody test results, but also recent negative Covid-19 test results. Clearly, in the post Covid-19 world, the list of your travel documents will have a few add on.
