The Department of Health launched its Covid-19 vaccine certificate portal, which allows users to create a QR code showing their Covid-19 vaccination status.
The certificate is only available to people who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with users being required to fill in their contact details, including their ID number and EVDS code. After entering those details, users will receive a one-time pin, confirming the authenticity of the information. The PIN can then be entered to access the final, digital Covid-19 vaccine certificate.
The department said that the QR code is not meant for general public use but will instead be used by specific entities which will use a specialized QR scanner. While it is not confirmed what the certificate will be used for, President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that it could further open the events and travel industry in South Africa.
“It can be used to facilitate travel, access to establishments and gatherings and other forms of activity that require proof of vaccination status. Our approach is informed by World Health Organisation guidelines and is in line with international best practice. Streamlining and standardising proof of vaccination will also go a long way towards getting several international travel restrictions both from and into our country eased,” he said in a national address on Thursday evening (30 September).
South Africa’s health department has not yet announced the official launch of the South African Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate System, indicating, as with the initial launch of the EVDS, that the online portal is still being refined.
Sources: BusinessTech, Business Insider
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