Health minister Sajid Javid says the idea should nevertheless be kept ‘in reserve as a potential option’
Health minister Sajid Javid, left, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson address the media in London, Britain, September 7 2021. Picture: NEIL HALL/EPA/BLOOMBERG
“We’ve looked at it properly, and whilst we should keep it in reserve as a potential option, I’m pleased to say that we will not be going ahead with plans for vaccine passports.”Javid spoke ahead of steps expected to be announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday to manage Covid-19 over the autumn and winter. The UK removed many of its coronavirus restrictions in July, but that initial step towards normality has been marred by a surge in cases of the Delta variant of the virus.
The UK is on pace to start a vaccine booster programme this month, Javid said. The health chief is also keen to end the costly PCR tests needed by UK travellers returning from certain countries. “A lot of these powers can go,” the health minister said. “But some of them are necessary to keep, such as requiring people to self-isolate if they test positive.”
On Times Radio, Javid said that schools have been preparing vaccination programmes for if or when the green light is given. He said he was “confident” of a fast rollout.
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