Passport to freedom may have to come

THERE is much debate at the moment about vaccination passports with Boris Johnson concerned about possible discrimination.

I cannot understand why there is the slightest fuss and, in any case, the matter is likely to be taken out of our hands because overseas governments in the Covid hotspots will insist on proof of vaccination.

This is already happening in the field of testing, it now being almost universally mandatory that all visitors must be in possession of a 72-hour Covidfree test certificate.

In relation to international travel, there are two issues I fear.

First, that bureaucrats will no doubt develop lengthy forms to fill in, when one simple card or single sheet of paper will suffice, thus making it unnecessarily expensive.

Secondly, the problem of adding information to the passport when booster jabs are carried out when variants rear their ugly heads.

There will almost certainly be further boosters in the years to come as scientists try to combat the continuing multiplicity of challenges that are likely to occur.

Covid is here to stay. However, I can see difficulties arising in relation to employment law if, to protect their staff, employers insist that all employees must have a Covid vaccination certificate.

There are some who believe vaccination is against their beliefs and also those, who for medical reasons cannot be vaccinated. This, I suppose, could be construed as discrimination and therefore currently illegal.

Sadly, in the years to come, a percentage of those dying will succumb to Covid.

Sensible employers will have to factor in ways of keeping risk to a minimum.

Vaccination certificates alone will not guarantee a business Covid-free environment, so although I understand the desire, I do not believe that businesses should be allowed to impose such requirements.

Vaccinations are free, why reject them?

DEAR Editor, Once again the Government has let down the hardworking NHS staff with a one per cent pay rise.

This is shameful after all the NHS have done for the public.

When will the government learn that we are extremely lucky to have people like these to care for us, especially in these times during Covid?

I suggest that Boris Johnson, Matt Hancock and co do a week on the front line in a hospital, getting their hands dirty and actually living through what it’s like. How is it that the general public can see that we need to appreciate the NHS staff more?

It’s a shame the Government doesn’t and I fear that in 50 years’ time we won’t have an NHS. I hope I’m wrong.

J Perry, Kings Heath