Restrictions on Unvaccinated Individuals in Multi-Use Facilities?..."Opposing Vaccine Pass" Petition Emerges at Blue House

Unvaccinated Individuals Without PCR Negative Certificate Restricted from Multi-use Facilities and Events
"Exceptions Considered for Younger Age Groups and Students Who Have Not Yet Had Vaccination Opportunities"
'Opposing Vaccine Pass' Petition Appears on Blue House Website

A citizen is receiving a vaccine at a COVID-19 vaccination center. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] The government announced that it is considering the introduction of a vaccine pass as it pushes forward with the 'gradual recovery of daily life (With Corona)' phase. Accordingly, unvaccinated individuals are expected to face restrictions on accessing certain multi-use facilities unless they present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

The vaccine pass is a type of health certificate that allows only those who have completed vaccination to use multi-use facilities. Overseas, it is common for the pass to be valid for up to six months from the date of vaccination completion.

On the 29th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Accident Response Headquarters of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, explained at a regular COVID-19 briefing, "We are analyzing the situations in foreign countries where vaccine passes have been introduced," adding, "In foreign countries, unvaccinated individuals are restricted from participating in events or using multi-use facilities unless they carry a PCR negative certificate through the vaccine pass system."

Son said, "Such restrictions are not only intended to protect unvaccinated individuals but also to encourage vaccination by causing some inconvenience to those who have not been vaccinated," and added, "If Korea introduces a vaccine pass, it is highly likely that unvaccinated individuals who do not carry a PCR negative certificate will face restrictions on participation in multi-use facilities or events."

He continued, "However, there is a need to separately consider younger age groups or students who have not been given the opportunity to be vaccinated," and added, "It is necessary to review exceptions to these vaccine pass restrictions for those below a certain age."

Son Young-rae, Head of the Strategic Planning Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare), is briefing on the results of the COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 29th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response to this announcement, public backlash has already begun, and the repercussions of future measures are expected to be severe. Most netizens have expressed the view that vaccination should not be mandatory.

They protested with comments such as, "Is there no freedom not to get vaccinated?", "Controlling bodily freedom is unconstitutional. There are people with allergies and underlying conditions; are they supposed to risk their lives to get vaccinated?", "If you are going to enforce it, do it properly. This is a challenge to the people's bodily freedom and right to life," and "This is not right; vaccination should be a matter of personal choice."

There is a strong call for respect for those who cannot get vaccinated due to underlying conditions or allergies. One netizen expressed anger, saying, "Among the unvaccinated, there are people who want to get vaccinated but cannot due to underlying conditions or pregnancy. This is too much. Especially pregnant women who cannot take Tylenol?what happens if they experience side effects after vaccination?"

The sense of deprivation felt by unvaccinated individuals due to differences in vaccination status is also raised as an issue. Comments include, "I really oppose this. Even abroad, vaccinated and unvaccinated people are divided and in conflict," "I am fully vaccinated, but this only divides the people into two," and "Instead of disadvantaging the unvaccinated, benefits should be expanded for the vaccinated. This method is wrong."

A petition opposing the introduction of the vaccine pass posted on the Blue House National Petition Board on the 29th. Photo by Blue House National Petition Board

A petition sharing these sentiments has also appeared. On the 29th, a petition titled "Oppose the Vaccine Pass" was posted on the Blue House petition board. The petitioner stated, "There are people who cannot complete vaccination due to personal illnesses, allergies, or side effects. Can vaccination be forced unconditionally?" and added, "Even now, unvaccinated individuals face social pressure at work and suffer significant personal harm. Penalties such as restrictions on group entry are social division and violations of basic human rights, making them subject to constitutional lawsuits."

Meanwhile, some netizens welcomed the measure, saying, "If you are unvaccinated, you should stay at home. Where do you think you are going? Vaccinated people took the risk responsibly. Unvaccinated people should take responsibility for their choices," and "This is a natural measure for those who follow the guidelines."

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