UK to Require COVID Negative Test or Vaccination Proof for Pubs and Theaters Visits

Reviewing Permission to Assess Infection Risk via NHS App
Companies Emerging That Mandate Vaccination for Employees

(London AFP=Yonhap News) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is chairing a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) video conference on climate and security in London on the 23rd (local time). The UK is the rotating president of the Security Council this month.
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[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The UK is considering using the National Health Service (NHS) app to verify COVID-19 negative test results and vaccination status when visiting pubs or theaters.

According to local media reports on the 24th (local time), the UK government is reviewing allowing businesses to assess infection risks through the NHS app.

The government, led by Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is currently looking into modifying the NHS app for use as proof of status.

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of the Scottish Government, also stated that considering a "vaccine passport" is worthwhile. However, vaccine passports are controversial due to concerns that they enforce vaccination and may discriminate against those unable to receive vaccines. The UK government's stance has been inconsistent.

However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that ethical issues related to mandating or prohibiting showing proof when going to pubs or theaters need to be explored.

Meanwhile, companies mandating vaccination for employees are already emerging. The UK's second-largest care home operator notified 17,000 employees this week that those refusing vaccination will not be allowed to work starting from the end of April.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.