United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Government plans for ‘Freedom Passport’ app cause alarm
The company behind an NHS-assured app to show the user has received the Covid vaccine says the Government is wrong to consider launching an app to show that the user is Covid-free.
Hillary Cannon, Director of Innovation at myGP, said proposals for a ‘Freedom Passport’ could cause more harm than good.
According to a report on the Mail Online website, the Government has commissioned two companies to develop apps that would allow users to develop a QR code to their mobile phones to show they have tested negative for Covid-19.
The codes could be presented to allow them to enter pubs, places of work and other venues, it said.
But Hillary said the approach was ‘short-sighted and potentially high-risk’.
"The fact that a negative virus test result only means the person is at low risk of having COVID-19 at that moment means this new app innovation could encourage more people who may have, or could easily contract, the virus to move about and mix, which will impede the UK’s ability to contain and control the virus," said Hillary.
"The suggested Freedom Passport innovation also encourages more virus testing, which comes at a cost to the NHS and the taxpayer. In addition, it will further discourage the 31% of people who are already considering declining the Covid-19 vaccine, which goes against the NHS’s attempts to get the virus under control.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike