The European Union is contemplating extending the validity of its Covid-19 immunization certificates by nine months, allowing tourists to travel with greater freedom while the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, suggested Thursday that the EU Digital Certificate be revised. By explaining their vaccination status, whether they have just recovered from the virus, or if they have recently tested negative, this document has made it easier for individuals to travel during the epidemic.
The document will now have a life span of nine months after the first set of vaccinations are provided — that is, after the second dosage of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, or after one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for example. The notion is that when immunity fades, so will a vaccination passport.
While the coronavirus epidemic persists, the European Union is considering extending the validity of its Covid-19 immunization certificates by nine months, allowing tourists to travel with greater freedom.
The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, proposed revising the EU Digital Certificate on Thursday. This document has made it simpler for people to travel during the pandemic by clarifying their vaccination status, whether they have recently recovered from the virus, or if they have recently tested negative.
The document will now be valid for nine months after the first set of vaccines are administered, i.e., after the second dosage of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot or after one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for example. The idea is that when immunity wears out, so will a vaccination passport.
“It is evident that the pandemic is not yet over,” European Commissioner Didier Reynders said Thursday. As such, he said, “the travel rules need to take into account this volatile situation.”
Several European countries are dealing with a significant incidence of Covid infections, particularly in areas where vaccination rates are low.
The EU's inoculation rate is 67 percent, which covers variations between countries such as Portugal, where 88 percent of the population is completely vaccinated, and others where individuals are more hesitant to obtain a coronavirus injection.
The news on Thursday came after the World Health Organization warned earlier this week that the number of Covid fatalities in the area might top 2 million by March. The current spike in cases was likewise rated as "extremely severe" by the WHO.
Several European countries have taken steps to combat growing illnesses in recent weeks. Austria and the Czech Republic have enacted some of the most stringent measures.
Before it can be adopted, Thursday's plan must be endorsed by all 27 EU member states.
The idea also proposes that children under the age of six be excluded from any travel restrictions. Children aged 6 to 12 should also be excluded unless they come from a country with a very high level of contagion, and children beyond the age of 12 must follow the same restrictions as adults.
(Source:www.cnbc.com)
The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, suggested Thursday that the EU Digital Certificate be revised. By explaining their vaccination status, whether they have just recovered from the virus, or if they have recently tested negative, this document has made it easier for individuals to travel during the epidemic.
The document will now have a life span of nine months after the first set of vaccinations are provided — that is, after the second dosage of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, or after one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for example. The notion is that when immunity fades, so will a vaccination passport.
While the coronavirus epidemic persists, the European Union is considering extending the validity of its Covid-19 immunization certificates by nine months, allowing tourists to travel with greater freedom.
The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, proposed revising the EU Digital Certificate on Thursday. This document has made it simpler for people to travel during the pandemic by clarifying their vaccination status, whether they have recently recovered from the virus, or if they have recently tested negative.
The document will now be valid for nine months after the first set of vaccines are administered, i.e., after the second dosage of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot or after one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for example. The idea is that when immunity wears out, so will a vaccination passport.
“It is evident that the pandemic is not yet over,” European Commissioner Didier Reynders said Thursday. As such, he said, “the travel rules need to take into account this volatile situation.”
Several European countries are dealing with a significant incidence of Covid infections, particularly in areas where vaccination rates are low.
The EU's inoculation rate is 67 percent, which covers variations between countries such as Portugal, where 88 percent of the population is completely vaccinated, and others where individuals are more hesitant to obtain a coronavirus injection.
The news on Thursday came after the World Health Organization warned earlier this week that the number of Covid fatalities in the area might top 2 million by March. The current spike in cases was likewise rated as "extremely severe" by the WHO.
Several European countries have taken steps to combat growing illnesses in recent weeks. Austria and the Czech Republic have enacted some of the most stringent measures.
Before it can be adopted, Thursday's plan must be endorsed by all 27 EU member states.
The idea also proposes that children under the age of six be excluded from any travel restrictions. Children aged 6 to 12 should also be excluded unless they come from a country with a very high level of contagion, and children beyond the age of 12 must follow the same restrictions as adults.
(Source:www.cnbc.com)
