Coronavirus: How will the EU’s Covid digital certificate work?

BRUSSELS – The European Covid certificate will come into force on July 1 to facilitate travel within the European Union (EU) despite the pandemic. Vaccines, tests, immunity: how will it work?

What does this certificate contain?

“The EU’s Covid digital certificate”, Official name of the health passport, it will be recognized throughout the European bloc and is free. There are three possibilities: certifies that the person is vaccinated against Covid-19, that they have tested negative for PCR or antigens, or that they are immune after suffering from the disease.

The validity dates of the tests are not harmonized, it depends on the Member States. To show that they are immune, a person can provide a positive PCR test that reveals their infection. The duration of immunity is a maximum of 180 days, but countries can reduce it.

Serological tests are still not considered very reliable in certifying immunity, but it is planned to be evaluated during the first four months of the regulation’s application.

What vaccines are accepted?

The four vaccines approved by the EU are accepted: Pfizer / BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

This is not mandatory, but people with vaccines used in the EU may be accepted – depending on what is established by each country (Sputnik V in Hungary) or WHO approved (Sinopharm).

How is the certificate?

It has a QR code with an electronic signature that reveals its authenticity, readable in all EU countries. It can be presented to the competent authorities in digital form on a “smartphone” or printed on paper.

Member States decide whether to integrate this certificate into their national tracing application or to use a different one.

What about personal data?

The certificate will only contain “strictly necessary” personal data, in accordance with European regulations (GDPR). This data will not be shared between countries, with the exception of the key which verifies its authenticity which must be transmitted.

The retention of said data by the countries of transit or destination will be prohibited.

Is the certificate exempt from quarantine on arrival?

In principle, yes, but there will be exceptions, if the situation at the place of origin of the traveler deteriorates, due to the appearance of a variant, for example.

In this case, the country of destination must inform the other Member States and the European Commission 48 hours before the introduction of new restrictions, as well as their duration.

Travelers can consult the “Re-open EU” site where conditions are listed in different European countries.

Is it only good for traveling?

The regulation applies to free movement, but Member States can decide to use it for other purposes (concerts, festivals, etc.), in accordance with their legislation.

What is planned for children traveling with their parents?

In general, children and adolescents will not be vaccinated for the summer (boreal), and a negative test may be necessary.

How many countries does it include?

It will be applied in 30 countries (the 27 of the EU, plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein). Technical tests have been successfully carried out in 18 countries, verifying that they can connect with the gateway configured by the EU. The digital certificate will take effect on July 1 for a period of one year.

A six-week transition period is foreseen for countries which are not ready to issue certificates following the European model. Meanwhile, the others have to accept national documents containing the data required at European level.

And for third countries?

The EU is in talks with various third countries, such as Switzerland, Great Britain and the United States, as well as with international bodies such as the WHO and air transport associations for reciprocal recognition and l interoperability.

For Argentina – with the exception of people with dual nationality – it is not activated. Yet yesterday Spain has allowed entry into the country of all vaccinated people against the coronavirus at doses approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which does not include the Russian vaccine Sputnik V, one of the most widely used in Argentina. This measure will come into effect on June 7.

AFP