Government calls for views on Covid certification

The government is seeking views on the role of Covid status certification from those it would impact, such as hospitality and tourism businesses.

As set out last month in the prime minister's Covid-19 roadmap, the government is looking at whether certification could help to reopen the economy, reduce restrictions on social contact and improve safety.

The review – which is being led by chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove – is considering the ethical, equalities, privacy, legal and operational aspects of a possible certification scheme, and what limits, if any, should be placed on organisations using certification.

The government has put out a call for evidence to ensure that the review considers a broad range of interests and concerns, which will remain open until 29 March.

Gove said: "This review into Covid-status certification is an important part of our plan to help reopen the country and return to normal. However, we recognise that there are complex issues of ethics, privacy and inclusion that need to be fully considered. That is why I want to get as many views as possible on Covid-status certification and its potential implications to help inform the review."

The government has committed to concluding its review into Covid-status certification ahead of step four of the four-stage lockdown easing plan, which will happen no earlier than 21 June.

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