The call for evidence has been issued to inform the review into COVID-status certification, to ensure that the recommendations reflect a broad range of interests and concerns.
On 15 March 2021 the Cabinet Office published a policy paper titled COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021: reviews terms of reference. Within that document it explains the scope of the review in assessing whether COVID-status certification could play a role in reopening the economy and society, reducing restrictions on social contact, and improving safety. The policy paper can be accessed here.
On 15 March 2021 the Cabinet Office and The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP published a press release titled “Government asks for views on Covid-19 certification.” The press release explains that Covid-19 status certification involves using testing or vaccination data to confirm in different settings that people have a lower risk of transmitting Covid-19 to others.
The review is considering the ethical, equalities, privacy, legal and operational aspects of a possible certification scheme, and what limits, if any, should be placed on organisations using certification. The press release can be accessed here.
In question 1 of the call for evidence the respondent is asked which of the following best describes the capacity in which you are responding to this call for evidence? The examples include a charity or social enterprise.
On that basis we recommend that all local VCSE organisations consider sending in a response in context to how it might aid service delivery in the summer months and beyond.
Details of the call for evidence and how to respond to the consultation can be accessed here.