To combat the spate of fake COVID-19 certificates, the government has announced that it will soon be introducing National ID linked COVID-19 passports. This was revealed by the director of Health Informatics and Data Analytics in the Ministry of Health Dr Simukai Zizhou.
“This new card will have security features which can then be easily scanned and verified. The ministry has all the records of people that have been vaccinated thus it will be simple for authorities to verify this, further it will be linked to the individual’s passports and identity documents which were captured during the exercise. The card will have a QR code which is now the international best practice in terms of verification of information. Further, this card will close the loophole of the fake certificates that were now in the market.”
via The Sunday News
The roll-out of the COVID-19 passports is set to begin next week as there are a few niggles yet to be addressed. Dr Zizhou also said that those who have received their second dose of the COVID vaccine and need to travel to nations that require proof of vaccination on entry should come to the Ministry of Health so they can collect the new cards.
The govt staying in step with the times
This is a welcome development because most countries have been scrambling to get something like this up and running. The European Union for one debuted a COVID-19 passport prototype and is looking to get it out.
The idea of a COVID-19 passport has however come under some scrutiny. A petition submitted to the British House of Commons with more than 300 000 signatures says:
“We want the Government to commit to not rolling out any e-vaccination status/immunity passport to the British public. Such passports could be used to restrict the rights of people who have refused a Covid-19 vaccine, which would be unacceptable.”
UK Government and Parliament
The British government responded to this by saying that the COVID-19 immunity status certificates could play a key role in reopening the economy as well as the lowering of social distancing restrictions.
3 comments
The problem the government hasn’t tackled is corruption. You will find people being issued these legit documents without having been vaccinated, it is just a matter of time.
Actual passports and drivers licences are issued to some people without even setting foot at the relevant authorities. The “system” will always prevail. It will start the moment someone influential needs a “quick” legit vaccination passport for their son, daughter e.t.c. in urgent need to travel.
Thats too true. So many people are already planning to just “buy” the passports without being vaccinated.
I’m either living under an algorithmic rock or my google fu is just weak, but i literally can’t find exact information on getting the vaccine! Lots of photo ops, but where are the centres? What times are they open? Do they need an appointment or do we just walk in? What conditions will preclude me from getting the shot? How long will the vaccination drive last? Am i even eligible at this point???
A central “resource” exists on the ministry of health site but in true Zim Gov fashion, most of it was last updated in April 2020!!!