Partial Introduction of 'Vaccine Pass' for Some Multi-use Facilities Annually... Including Entertainment Venues, Noraebang, Nursing Facilities
Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Survey Shows About 56% Support for Vaccine Pass
Experts Say "Vaccine Pass Needed in Infection-Vulnerable Facilities... Alternatives Should Be Prepared with Medical Opinions"
Jung Eun-kyung, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, attended the "COVID-19 Step-by-Step Recovery Implementation Plan Public Hearing" held on the 25th at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, and is listening to the keynote presentation by Park Hyang, Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' COVID-19 Prevention Division.
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] As the quarantine system transitions to With Corona early next month, controversy over fairness has arisen following the government's announcement to introduce a 'vaccine pass' for certain multi-use facilities.
According to the government's draft for easing quarantine measures released on the 25th, gradual steps toward daily life recovery will begin from November 1. The core points are: Phase 1 easing restrictions on business operations, Phase 2 allowing large-scale events, and Phase 3 lifting limits on private gatherings.
From Phase 1, operating hour restrictions previously applied to restaurants and cafes will be lifted, allowing 24-hour operation. However, vaccine passes will be fully implemented in infection-vulnerable facilities such as entertainment venues, singing rooms, indoor sports facilities, bathhouses, horse racing and cycle racing venues, casinos, and nursing facilities.
The vaccine pass requires authentication via mobile verification or vaccination certificates, and unvaccinated individuals must present a PCR negative test result. In this case, entry to entertainment venues is not allowed even with a PCR negative certificate; only those who have completed vaccination can enter.
Public reactions are mixed between support and opposition. Opinions clash between those who argue that the vaccine pass infringes on basic rights by forcing individuals to get vaccinated and those who believe it is necessary for phased daily life recovery.
According to a survey conducted by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters over four days starting from the 5th, targeting about a thousand adult men and women nationwide, 56% responded positively to the introduction of the vaccine pass, while 13% responded negatively. The results show a relatively dominant stance in favor of the vaccine pass.
A woman in her 20s, identified as Ms. A, who supports the vaccine pass, said, "I think the introduction of the vaccine pass is inevitable from a quarantine perspective for smooth phased daily life recovery."
A university student posted on the school community board, "Although many do not want to get vaccinated, they took the risk and got vaccinated, so there should be some form of compensation. The vaccine pass could also help increase vaccination rates," she stated.
Opposition to the vaccine pass also continues. On October 1, a petition titled 'Oppose the Vaccine Pass' was posted on the Blue House's public petition board. The petitioner wrote, "Even now, unvaccinated people suffer significant disadvantages and social pressure. The penalty of group entry restrictions causes social division and violates basic human rights, making it subject to constitutional lawsuits. There are people who cannot complete vaccination due to personal illnesses, allergies, or side effects. Can vaccination be forced unconditionally?"
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry published a 'Comparison Report on With Corona Policies of Major Countries' on the 25th, stating, "The vaccine pass policy may cause social conflicts," and emphasized the importance of preparing supplementary measures to increase social acceptance.
Experts have suggested that the vaccine pass should be introduced with consideration for infection-vulnerable facilities.
Professor Jung Jaehoon of Gachon University College of Medicine explained on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show' regarding the vaccine pass, "(The facilities subject to the vaccine pass) are places like nursing homes or elder care facilities where the risk of infection has been confirmed to be high. Therefore, even if quarantine measures are eased and businesses resume, the vaccine pass is necessary for the time being."
He added, "(However) in cases where vaccination is not possible for medical reasons, a plan is being considered to grant the same effect as the vaccine pass if a medical opinion issued by specialists is presented."
Meanwhile, the government stated it will operate the system so that the vaccine pass does not become a means of discrimination. Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Government Complex Sejong on the morning of the 26th and said, "Thanks to the active cooperation and participation of the people, we were able to achieve the goal of '70% of the entire population fully vaccinated' faster than any other country. We will prepare to implement the vaccine pass from November after in-depth discussions by the Daily Life Recovery Support Committee."
He emphasized, "The government clearly recognizes that this system must not discriminate against unvaccinated individuals or disadvantage those who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons. We will listen to various opinions sufficiently and design and operate the system in a balanced way to promote the daily life recovery of the entire community."
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