South Africa launches digital Covid-19 vaccination certificate;- Here You Will Find How it Works and How To Register and to Get it.
The Department of Health has launched its Covid-19 vaccine certificate portal, allowing users to create a QR code showing their Covid-19 vaccination status.
The passport is currently only available to people fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with users required to fill in their contact details, including their ID number and Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) code.
Upon entering these details, users will be sent a one-time pin confirming the authenticity of the information they have provided. The pin can then be entered to access the final, digital Covid-19 vaccine certificate.
The department said that the QR code is not meant for general public use but will instead be used by specific entities that will use a specialised QR scanner.
South Africa launches digital Covid-19 vaccination certificate
While the Department of Health has not confirmed what the certificate will be used for, president Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated that a certificate could further open up the events and travel industry in South Africa.
“It can be used to facilitate travel, access to establishments and gatherings and other forms of activity that require proof of vaccination status,” he said in a national address on Thursday evening (30 September).
“Our approach is informed by World Health Organisation guidelines and is in line with international best practice. Streamlining and standardising proof of vaccination will also go a long way towards getting several international travel restrictions both from and into our country eased.”
Health minister Dr Joe Phaahla said that the certificate would likely be used for specific services in the future. Still, the government has no intention to make the certification a requirement for accessing public services.
Instead, Phaahla said that the document would be used to gain entry to entertainment and sporting events and possibly some businesses.
The certificate was developed by the Department of Health and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and can be found at https://vaccine.certificate.health.gov.za.
National Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) project manager, Milani Wolmarans, said the certificate can be downloaded through a web portal by anyone who has received the COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa.
“You’ll need your vaccination code from the sms you received after your vaccination, South African ID or Foreign Passport number or Asylum or Refugee number. This should be the same document that you presented when you got vaccinated and the cell phone you included on your registration,” she said.
Over the next four days, the vaccination codes will be sent via SMS. The code can also be accessed from the COVID-19 call centre on 0800 029 999. The code will be sent via sms.
“With regards to the recognition of the digital certificate, most countries around the globe would accept the certificate. It is, however, dependent on the policy of the country that you would be visiting and also what their verification requirements would be.
“Towards the end of the next two months, there will be an app that you can use to download the certificate,” Wolmarans said.
Meanwhile, the Minister welcomed South Africa’s removal from the United Kingdom (UK) red list.
“We are also pleased with the United Kingdom (UK) government announcement that it is taking our country from the red list – meaning more easy travel between people from South Africa and the UK. The UK will be recognising the certificate that we are launching,” Phaahla said. –SAnews.gov.za
