The digital COVID-19 vaccine passport (digital COVID-19 certificate ) issued by the European Union have been officially launched.
People can use the certificate to verify proof of COVID-19 vaccination, a recent negative test result, or a previous COVID-19 infection.
The certificate, which has a QR code and a digital signature, can be viewed on a computer or printed.
When traveling in the EU, people who have the certificate should not be required to do an additional COVID-19 test or be quarantined.
The certificate has already been issued and recognized in some EU nations.
In mid-June, Germany, for example, announced it had already given 5 million certificates.
The rest of the EU member countries will be brought online during a six-week timeframe.
Non-EU countries, such as the United Kingdom, have begun to implement their own systems.
The National Health Service (NHS) in England has its own COVID-19 pass, which can be used to provide proof of vaccination, a recent test result, or a previous infection.
A print version is available in Scotland and Wales.
Although some EU nations accept the NHS pass, the EU as a whole does not, and this could change as countries attempt to make their systems interoperable.
In the United States, certain states (such as New York) have their own COVID-19 vaccine certificates.
Walmart has launched a digital record for anyone who have been vaccinated at one of its locations.
Google also stated that Android will now support vaccination cards.
However, only COVID-19 vaccines approved in the EU are recognized by the certificate, which includes AstraZeneca, Pfizer / BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson doses.
Read more on Tech Gist Africa:
Dubai’s Emirates Airline has begun testing digital passports
Covid-19 vaccination sites will soon be shown on Google Maps.
Microsoft, Oracle and other tech giants team up on Covid-19 vaccination digital passports