COVID-19 passports to be introduced in NI
Robin Swann wants to see enforceable Covid certification in operation from December 13.
Last updated 18th Nov 2021
The Stormont Executive has agreed vaccine passports will be introduced in Northern Ireland.
All parties voted for the mechanism to be introduced but it is understood the DUP voted against the move.
However, the party did not deploy a cross-community voting mechanism to block the introduction of vaccine certification in the region.
The Health Minister, Robin Swann, wants to see enforceable Covid certification in operation across a range of hospitality settings from December 13.
The Department of Health is now set to produce a further paper detailing how the policy will be rolled out.
It is reported that Mr Swann has proposed the following:
-Covid Passports are to be used to gain entry to nightclubs, hospitality premises that serve food and/or drink, cinemas, theatres and conferences halls.
- Covid certificates would also be needed to access indoor events with 500 or more attendees where some or all of the audience is not normally seated.
- They would be required for outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees where some or all of the audience is not normally seated.
- They would also be mandatory at all events of 10,000 or more attendees whether the audience is seated or not.
Mr Swann is proposing that regulations needed for the law change come into effect on November 29, with a 14-day grace period prior to becoming enforceable on December 13.
Non-compliant venues could be hit with a £1,000 fine.
Under the proposals, people wishing to gain entry to the venues would need to demonstrate evidence of Covid-19 vaccination, a negative lateral flow test result, or proof of a coronavirus infection within the previous six months.
A modelling paper from health officials presented to the Executive ahead of Wednesday's meeting warned passports may not be enough to suppress rapidly increasing Covid case numbers, which have surged 23% in a week, and that "more severe restrictions'' may need to be considered in mid-December to avoid hospitals being overwhelmed.
Mr Swann's proposals come amid escalating pressures on the region's beleaguered health system.
Covid-19 transmission rates have soared in recent weeks, particularly among young people.
Making certification a legal entry requirement for hospitality venues has been credited with driving up vaccination rates among young people in the Irish Republic.
The Executive published its 2021 Autumn/Winter Covid-19 Contingency Plan just last month, which encouraged all to follow the public health advice.
Get the Covid-19 vaccination
Keep your distance
Self-isolate when necessary and to take a PCR test if you have symptoms
Wash your hands regularly, and cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing
Meet outdoors or somewhere well ventilated
Wear a face covering in crowded or indoor settings
Take regular Lateral Flow tests if you don't have symptoms to reduce the risk of spreading the virus
Work from home where practicable, or a mixture of home and office based working
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