Several E.U. Countries Launch Digital COVID Certificates for Travelers

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

This week, seven countries in Europe—Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Poland—launched the first digital Digital Green Certificates for travelers, including vaccinated Americans. The E.U. is calling the early rollout a broader tourism opening's “warm-up phase,” during which member states have the option to voluntarily begin their certification program before it becomes available in all 27 E.U. countries on July 1. The optional system is for use by residents and visitors alike.

Last month, the European Union Commission announced a plan for allowing vaccinated non-Europeans to travel to the bloc this summer, news that many Americans had been long waiting for. Crucial to this plan was the use of the standardized health pass, which certifies traveler's vaccination status, recent recovery from COVID-19, and/or negative coronavirus test results, for entry into any member state.

“EU citizens are looking forward to traveling again, and they want to do so safely," said E.U. Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides in a June 1 press conference. "Having an E.U. certificate is a crucial step on the way.”

For security and ease of use throughout the region, the certificate is available in digital and printed formats, and in both English and the issuing country's official language, with a scannable QR code that can be read by any member state. Currently, the pass can be issued to vaccinated residents in the seven countries mentioned above; and though travelers are said to be eligible for them, it is not yet clear exactly how travelers can apply for and receive one. More details are expected to come this month, ahead of the wider July 1 launch. “National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate,” the E.U. Commission says on its website. “It could, for example, be issued by test centres or health authorities, or directly via an eHealth portal.”

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/vaccinated-americans-may-be-able-to-travel-to-europe-this-summer

Florida GOP and others can't be happy.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

1. We need vaccine passports and to exclude/shun assholes who refuse to be vaccinated

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Excellent. I plan to be in 9 Balkan countries in August.