South Africa Announces ‘Vaccine Passport’ Plans, Eases Restrictions
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday disclosed his plans to introduce Covid-19 “vaccine passports” amid widespread scepticism of the jab, ahead of an easing of movement restrictions this week.
After sluggish vaccine procurement and a delayed roll out, Africa’s worst-hit country for Covid is now struggling with low take-up, particularly among men.
In a televised address to the nation, Ramaphosa stressed that an immunised adult population was key to fully reopening the economy and avoiding a fourth infection wave.
In two weeks, we will “be providing further information on an approach to ‘vaccine passports’, which can be used as evidence of vaccination for various purposes and events“, he said without providing further details.
But he added that “a sustained decline in infections… over the last few weeks” would allow for an easing of confinement measures from Monday.
A night-time curfew will be shortened, starting at 11:00 pm instead of 10, and limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings will be increased.
Restrictions on the sale of alcohol will also be relaxed, although face masks remain mandatory in public.
