Covid-19: England finally decides to give up the health pass

UK Health Minister Sajid Javid leaving 10 Downing Street in London on June 30, 2021. AP - Matt Dunham

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1 min

The health pass is still causing a stir in England.

While it was to come into force on October 1, the government decided to backtrack, this Sunday, September 12.

A decision strongly criticized by the opposition, but applauded by the entertainment industry.

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This is yet another turn of events for the British government, which finally cancels the implementation of the health pass.

The government has been dividing the issue for months, while waiting for the announcement of measures to prepare for winter on Tuesday.

The Scientific Council was nevertheless in favor, to stem the

progression of Covid-19

, recalls our correspondent in London, 

Sidonie Gaucher

.

“ 

I think you can say that the majority of people instinctively oppose it.

I myself have never liked the idea of ​​asking people for their papers for everyday activities

 , ”Health Minister Sajid Javid told the BBC.

81% of those over 16 are vaccinated

Sajid Javid believes that this measure is not necessary, given the vaccination rate in the UK: 81% of the population over the age of 16 has received two doses.

Sajid Javid also wants to abolish PCR tests for travelers

returning from abroad

.

Critics of the health pass were the catchphrase of the restaurant and entertainment industries, which found it " 

unequal, difficult to implement and potentially discriminatory

".

But the rule is different according to the countries of the Kingdom.

In Scotland, the health pass will come into effect on October 1 for nightclubs and large gatherings.

In Wales, a decision will be made next week.

Since the start of the pandemic, Covid-19 has killed more than 134,000 people in the United Kingdom.

The number of daily positive cases is around 40,000 in recent days.

Vaccines are the first line of defense against the virus as we head into the Autumn and Winter months.



Please come forward for your jab if you haven't already.

pic.twitter.com/LAZVG10Onx

- Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) September 12, 2021

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