Government "Considering Introduction of Vaccine Passport... Under Discussion by KDCA and Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] As COVID-19 vaccinations have begun, the government is discussing the introduction of a 'vaccine passport system.'

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' quarantine team, said on the 2nd, "(The vaccine passport system) has not yet been officially adopted in Europe, but discussions on its introduction are underway," adding, "In South Korea, discussions are also being held centered around the Central Disease Control Headquarters and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters."

Yoon explained, "If vaccine passports are introduced and certificates are issued in foreign countries where vaccinations were carried out earlier, a considerable amount of practical review is needed regarding how to quarantine those foreigners entering the country and whether to exempt them from quarantine."

He said, "Even if vaccinated, there is insufficient data on the possibility of asymptomatic infection and vaccine efficacy," adding, "This is the same overseas, so all practical aspects must be carefully reviewed."

Yoon added, "Discussions are currently ongoing in Europe and other foreign countries, as well as domestically, so the timing of institutionalization needs to be observed further."