While traditional passport power have collapsed amid a global pandemic, a new type of passport is on the horizon, pondered by many governments. It is called an ‘Immunity passport’.
What is an immunity passport?
Immunity passport is issued to patients who have recovered from Covid-19 giving them freedom to get out of lockdown. This includes travels within the country, engaging with people, going to work and and also when traveling overseas. This passport essentially replaces covid-19 certificate required by travel authorities.
United Kingdom and Australia are exploring the use of immunity passport.
In the future, it is likely one has to carry both traditional passport (for identity) and immunity passport(for health) for all travels.
We already use biometric passport chip that holds thumbprints, bloodtype, as simple it sounds, the software can be upgraded to include covid-19 certificate data. This will simplify two passports merging into one.
While the idea of immunity passport, can be as exciting as it sounds, experts urge caution until research is complete.
In Italy, already several thousands subjects have been tested for anti-bodies and for developing immunity.
Dr Bharat Pankhania, Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Exeter Medical School, said:
“With respect to immunity testing and the issuing of “immunity” certificates, I advise caution. COVID19 belongs to the same family of viruses as the common cold virus. Infections with the common cold virus do not produce strong immunity and the immunity is usually short lived, usually about 3 months. We do not yet know how long immunity to the COVID19 virus would last for. Thus, is it very important to take note of this and continue to maintain infection control measures, post-infection, while research is being done.
“We need more research in this area.”, he said
The Global pandemic has taught us many lessons. It is evident that all citizenship and immigration rules will be tightened in many countries requiring health certificate mandatory in all cases.
