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Vilnius Mayor Remigijus Šimašius proposed such a plan to the country’s Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonyte, the municipality said in a statement. According to the mayor, the introduction of such an Immunity Passport would save part of the now-closed business, encourage citizens to test more frequently, and address accumulated public emotional health problems.
“We need to think at least three steps forward, and the time has come for a safe and credible exit strategy. We already have at least half a million people in Lithuania who have COVID-19 immunity. They could safely use various services, contributing thus to the rescue of companies: the state would save money on subsidies. And everyone who wishes to use these services can also easily take the quick test, which should be available en masse and cheaply or free of charge, “said R. Šimašius.
According to the mayor, it is necessary to take into account the emotional health of the population, which is poor after more than four months of quarantine, and safe and calculated restrictions on restrictions would help to get out of the emotional well faster.
According to the municipality, the Vilnius proposal provides that the Immunity Passport privileges could be used by three groups of citizens: those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, those who have been ill or those who have had a negative test. days. behind. This requires a technological solution that securely displays the Esveikata.lt data in a telephone application. Representatives of the Vilnius city municipality are already in contact with international companies that can offer secure solutions, for example IBM, which is currently developing a similar solution for New York.
The immunity passport is already being discussed at the European Union level, but it is mainly about its use to travel between EU countries. Some EU countries, like Denmark and Sweden, are talking about similar solutions.
“The situation is extraordinary, so the solutions to combat it must be unconventional. An immunity passport for more frequent testing would not only help prevent the spread of the virus, but at the same time allow a slow return to normal life for a growing group of people and provide an opportunity for companies to make money. I emphasize that all employees who would participate in this activity should also be tested regularly, so that no additional risks would arise here, ”the report quotes the mayor of Vilnius.
Justice Minister Evelina Dobrovolska and Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė also support this Vilnius idea.
Vilnius is successfully increasing the scope of testing by opening the first primary schools. Primary school children assessed in primary school and their families help ensure the safe operation of schools. An immunity passport would only reinforce this practice and allow it to be extended to sectors other than education, the municipal report points out.
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