Government "Considering Guidance and Promotion Period to Establish Vaccine Pass System"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The government is considering operating a guidance and publicity period to ensure the smooth establishment of the 'Vaccine Pass (proof of vaccination and negative test)' system, which is set to be introduced on the 1st of next month.

At a briefing on the 26th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated, "There are ongoing opinions, mainly from local governments, that time is needed for the new system of proof of vaccination and negative test to be properly established on the ground," adding, "Accordingly, plans to operate a guidance and publicity period for a certain time are also being discussed."

Son said, "After discussions with local governments, we plan to provide guidance when announcing the final plan for 'Step-by-step Recovery to Daily Life' on the 29th."

The government announced the 'Step-by-step Recovery to Daily Life' roadmap the day before, stating that from the 1st of next month, a vaccine pass requiring presentation of a vaccination certificate or negative test result will be introduced to allow entry to certain high-risk facilities and events.

Some concerns have been raised that individuals aged 18 to 49, who have recently completed their second dose or have not yet received their second dose according to the vaccination schedule, may face inconveniences such as needing to undergo PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing to use facilities like gyms and bathhouses starting next week.

Furthermore, questions have arisen regarding the scope of application after the government announced it would consider applying the vaccine pass to medical institutions.

In response, Son explained, "When visiting a hospital for medical treatment, a vaccination certificate or negative test result is not required," adding, "Currently, requests for vaccination certificates or negative test results at medical institutions occur only when visiting patients admitted to wards or when acting as a caregiver or protector."

Son added, "In such cases, only those who have completed vaccination or unvaccinated individuals carrying a PCR negative test result will be allowed entry," emphasizing, "Unlike other multi-use facilities, exceptions will not be made for those under 18 or those who cannot be vaccinated due to unavoidable reasons; these individuals will also be required to present a PCR negative test result when visiting patients or providing care in hospitals, and this plan is currently under review."

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