Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Paragraph: 55
The hospitality, arts and sports sectors have been some of the hardest hit sectors of...
Conclusion
The hospitality, arts and sports sectors have been some of the hardest hit sectors of the UK economy and society. All three witnesses were very clear about the damaging effect of social distancing restrictions. As set out above, we have not seen a convincing scientific case for a Covid-status certification system, and we do not see how it would aid in the decision to remove and prevent the reimposition of social distancing requirements. It is clear that neither the hospitality nor the arts industry would institute a certification system unless it was imposed upon them as part of the transition towards a permanent end to social distancing restrictions. We are also not convinced that a Covid-status certification system would provide the fall-back protection that the Premier League suggest it could provide should social distancing measures remain in place. We are also not clear that a Covid-status certification system would provide any tangible increase in the public’s confidence in returning to pubs, restaurants, comedy clubs, theatres or sports stadia. It is however clear to the Committee that the introduction of a Covid-status certification system would place new burdens and costs on those industries which have already suffered significantly and continue to suffer as a result of the measures put in place to combat the pandemic. Given the Government’s assessment that the case for certificates is “finely balanced”, the lack of a clear scientific case and the extra burdens and costs that it would place on the businesses and people who it would affect directly, it would be detrimental to the UK’s cultural, social and economic interests for a certificate system to be introduced in any respect domestically.
Paragraph Reference:
55
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Throughout the review, we’ve undertaken extensive engagement with ethicists, academics and a range of specialists and representatives including from faith, race and disabilities groups. As set out in the report, many ethicists saw a clear case for certification due to the potential to help safeguard the health and wellbeing of people and enable them to feel safer in accessing settings. Some issues were raised, including the potential for certification to widen existing disparities - for example, in groups where there is vaccine hesitancy, groups for whom it could be difficult to access or administer tests, or groups who may face higher levels of digital exclusion. However, the Government is clear that any use of certification must be as accessible and easy to use for all as possible. The certification review also concluded that the Government would not mandate the use of certification from Step 4. While the review concluded that there would be a public health benefit, the impacts are judged to be disproportionate to the public health benefit at that stage of the pandemic. However, it also concluded that certification could provide a means of keeping events going and businesses open if the country is facing a difficult situation in autumn or winter. A number of countries have been forced to close their nightclubs after a surge of cases, which we want to avoid. Therefore, as a matter of social responsibility, we are encouraging the use of the NHS COVID Pass for entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather as a safer way to reopen. We will monitor the uptake, and reserve the right to mandate its use in certain venues if necessary. We have always been clear that there are some essential settings where certification should not be used, including essential services and settings that have been allowed to remain open during the pandemic.