UK to Drop Proof of Vaccination, May Also Forego Testing of Returning Travelers

The U.K. has done away with its calls for vaccination proof, Bloomberg reported.

The nation is dropping its plans to require proof of vaccinations to enter some venues. It is also considering getting rid of compulsory testing for returning travelers, the report stated.

This comes as the U.K. is continuing to ease COVID-19 restrictions. Cases are still high, however. According to Health Minister Sajid Javid, per the report, there are several steps expected to be announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson Tuesday (Sept. 14) in order to manage COVID-19 in the fall and winter. Booster vaccines will be part of the agenda.

Javid said vaccine passports are a “big decision” for governments to make.

“I’ve never liked the idea of saying to people, ‘You must show your papers’ or something to do what is just an everyday activity,” Javid said, per the report. “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.”

The U.K. had already done away with numerous COVID-19 restrictions in July. However, the delta variant in the past few months has been a detriment to the recovery efforts, the report stated.

Javid said the country is looking at rolling out a vaccine booster program, and he wants to end the expensive PCR tests needed for U.K. travelers coming back from certain countries, according to the report. He also said more lockdowns are unlikely.

“It will be irresponsible for any health minister around the world to take everything off the table, but I just don’t see how we get to another lockdown,” he said, according to the report.

In other news, the U.K. has been supporting small businesses through a 375 million pound (about $519 million) fund for startups in research and development (R&D). The Future Fund Breakthrough, as it’s called, will focus on attracting new talent through new competition laws and tech visas.

Read more: UK Supporting Tech Startups With New Fund, Revamped Rules