In an interview on Monday, Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that the federal government won’t mandate vaccine passports for travel and businesses.
What We Know:
- Dr. Fauci expressed his doubts on whether the federal government is going to be a leading element in vaccine passports. The White House has indicated that any potential passports would come from the private sector. Vaccine passports are a form of proof that an individual is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The idea is controversial as local government and businesses consider whether to require them.
- Some conservatives are upset at the idea of vaccine passports that would also allow businesses to screen patrons’ immunization status. Republicans believe the vaccine passports to be government overreach and an invasion of privacy. New York became the first state to launch an app that allows people to upload proof of vaccination that can be scanned before entering a business. Next Week California will be allowing event venues to require proof of vaccination or a negative test result.
- Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order last week banning vaccine passports statewide. Similar measures are being pushed in Republican states like Arkansas and Montana. Businesses such as airlines already require proof of a negative COVID test for customers. Cruise lines have announced that they will require passport vaccinations for adults when ships set sail again.
- Israel has introduced an app-based vaccine passport in February, and the European Union is planning to introduce them over the summer. California has recently released new guidelines on Friday for indoor concerts, theater performances, and other private gatherings, allowing for a greater capacity if all guests are tested or show proof of being fully vaccinated. “I doubt the Federal government will be the main mover of a vaccine passport concept,” Dr. Fauci said in a statement on Monday.
Regulations related to COVID-19 continue to come about as the frequency of vaccinations continues to increase into the summer.
