Denmark becomes first country in Europe to launch "COVID Passport"

Denmark started a COVID-19 "passport" plan on Tuesday that will help to provide non-essential traffic to open to customers.

Wednesday, 7th April 2021

Melissa Skerrit getting second dose Sinopharm vaccine on Thursday

Denmark started a COVID-19 "passport" plan on Tuesday that will help to provide non-essential traffic to open to customers. The "coronapas" is likely via a solid form or in paper format to people who have either been fully vaccinated, have tested positive for COVID-19 two to 12 weeks before or negative over the previous 72 hours. It currently allows people to enter certain businesses — including hairdressers, magnificence salons and driving schools — with the aim to gradually open the economy by the end of May. Also read: Why WHO is against the most talked about “Vaccine Passport” ? It will be expanded to cover terraces due to reopen on 21 April, restaurants, museums, theatres, and cinemas from 6 May. The country is scheduled to be fully opened on May 21, when the government estimates it will have protected people over the age of 50. "I've been waiting for three months to get my hair cut," Rune Højsgaard, a 42-year-old computer expert, said after shaking his "coronapas" at the salon. Also read: Global COVID vaccine inequality increasing every day,’ WHO warns "I had a test on Saturday; it's valid until this afternoon. I'm related to getting examined once or several times a week, so it's not really a problem for me," he added. Hairdresser Pernille Nielsen is similarly "excited" to be allowed customers after four months of closure. 'Distrust in citizens' Businesses that allow customers in without a valid "coronapas" will be fined €400 and up to €6,000 for repeat offences while clients will be fined €330, the Ministry of Justice has warned. Some retailers are troubled about the coercive measure. "It is an extreme ability to impose (this control) on a small trader. It would have been much more useful if, for example, the policemen made review visits, like train researchers," said Jakob Brandt, head of the SMVdanmark federation of small and medium-sized businesses an account with the daily Politiken.

Monika Walker

Monika Walker is an experienced journalist specializing in global political developments and international relations. With a keen eye for accuracy and analysis, Monika has been reporting for over a decade, bringing stories to light that matter to readers around the world. She holds a degree in International Journalism and is passionate about giving a voice to underrepresented communities through factual reporting.