The UK government has underscored its attention to detail on the issue of COVID-19 vaccine passports by publishing a report, half of which is made up of pages with no information.
Much to the derision of expert commentators on social media, the COVID-Status Certification Review details the government’s approach to so-called vaccine passports and its response to concerns over their usage.
The 16-page report includes two title pages, a back page, four blank pages and a contents page. Its findings, which make up less than seven pages, conclude with a statement that the government will not mandate the use of COVID-status certification as a condition of entry for visitors to any setting at the present time.
Any decision to require COVID-status certification will be a discretionary choice for individual organisations to make. However, it is possible that certification could provide a means of keeping events going and businesses open if the country is facing a difficult situation in autumn or winter, it said.
The report said the government would make the NHS COVID Pass, accessed via the NHS App, available so that individuals can prove their status.
However, that would not be the only means to demonstrate vaccine status. A browser version and paper letter – which can be requested through the NHS.UK website or by ringing 119 – could also be used, it suggested.