Speed of 'Vaccine Pass' Discussions... Government: "Unvaccinated Individuals May Face Restrictions in Multi-use Facilities" (Update)

Consideration of Vaccine Pass Exemptions for Younger Age Groups Without Vaccination Opportunities

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The government is considering exempting younger age groups and students, who have not been given the opportunity for COVID-19 vaccination, from the application of the 'vaccine pass.' Additionally, discussions are underway on granting a vaccine pass that provides the same benefits as vaccinated individuals to those who have recovered after being infected with COVID-19.

On the 29th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, stated at the regular COVID-19 briefing, "The vaccine pass is currently being analyzed as one of the means for phased daily recovery by examining cases from foreign countries," adding, "We are at the stage of practical review regarding whether to introduce it and how."

He hinted at the possibility of restricting unvaccinated individuals from using multi-use facilities. Son said, "In most foreign countries, unvaccinated people are restricted from participating in or using multi-use facilities or events unless they carry a negative PCR test certificate through the vaccine pass," and added, "Since unvaccinated individuals have a much higher rate of severe illness and fatality, and the main goal is to block outbreaks centered on the unvaccinated, if introduced in our country, it is highly likely that similar restrictions will be applied."

However, he noted, "There is a need to separately consider younger age groups or students who were fundamentally not given the opportunity to be vaccinated," and added, "It is necessary to also review exceptions to the vaccine pass restrictions for those below a certain age."

Furthermore, regarding those who have recovered after a COVID-19 diagnosis, he said, "Currently, in foreign countries, since there are many people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, many cases recognize the vaccine pass validity for about six months as equivalent to being vaccinated," and added, "We need to continue analyzing these cases and verify medical validity to discuss in the future how to define the scope of the vaccine pass's effectiveness."

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