By Kaya 959 Reporter
Very soon fully vaccinated South Africans will be able to download their COVID-19 vaccination certificates.
The Department of Health on Tuesday announced that the website is currently at the testing phase of the system to troubleshoot all possible glitches ahead of the official launch later this week.
“The system is not yet officially functional in a live environment which enables vaccinated individuals to access and download certificates,” DoH spokesperson Foster Mohale said.
He said they have been inundated with queries from the media and public about challenges while trying to download and access their digital vaccination certificates.
Mohale said the DoH had to build a lot of security features into the system to protect people’s personal data.
He said the development and release of fully-fledged COVID-19 vaccination certificates will be phased-in over time.
“We request members of the public to exercise patience while we implement the final refinement as we prepare to officially launch the first version of the COVID-19 vaccination digital certificate.
“However, we are aware that a few lucky individuals managed to access the system and download their vaccination certificates,” he said.
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Secure and verifiable proof of vaccination
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the introduction of digital vaccine certificates when he addressed the nation last week.
He said it will provide a secure and verifiable proof of vaccination.
A digital certificate can be used to facilitate travel, access to establishments and gatherings and other forms of activity that require proof of vaccination status.
“Our approach is informed by World Health Organization guidelines and is in line with international best practice. Streamlining and standardising proof of vaccination will also go a long way towards getting a number of international travel restrictions both from and into our country eased,” Ramaphosa said.
Corporate Traveller GM Oz Desai said digital vaccination passports will likely become a ‘normal’ part of travel in the near future.
Desai explained that the technology necessary to make these passports happen already exists.
He said it’s now simply about the government’s willingness to integrate their systems into the various platforms.
“Vaccination is vital. It’s the way the world’s moving. We’re all pushing to get South Africa up to European vaccination standards.
“The goal is to have 67% of all adults vaccinated by the end of the year. As a result, corporate travel will naturally come back stronger. People are ready to travel again – just give them the choice and the mandate,” Desai said.
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