Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
DUP chiefs at ‘vaccine pass needed’ event
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey
Donaldson and First Minister
Paul Givan attended an event that enforced Covid vaccine passes days after the party voted against their introduction here.
They joined a First World War remembrance event in France last Friday marking the centenary of the
Ulster Tower memorial.
Several people who attended told the
Mirror they were asked for proof of double vaccination to gain entry to the commemoration in
Thiepval.
Two days earlier, the DUP was the only party in the Executive to vote against Health
Minister Robin
Swann’s proposals to introduce domestic vaccine passports in
Northern Ireland.
Mr Givan later criticised the policy as “divisive” and claimed it would have a “marginal” impact on reducing coronavirus transmission rates.
He said it would create a “two-tier” system whereby certification was required for certain private sector businesses but not for accessing public services.
The measure is due to be legally enforced in hospitality venues from December 13, although customers will still be able to gain entry with a negative lateral flow test or proof of Covid immunity.
Vaccine passports are required for non-essential travel from the UK into France, as well as to access various venues and facilities in the country.
UUP Banbridge councillor Jill Macauley, who attended the commemoration with a council delegation, said the use of Covid passes operated very smoothly.
She added: “While we were there we had to show our Covid passports to enter anything really, everything from a cafe or shop to that service itself.
“It was all very professional. It was very smooth and no problem.
“It didn’t certainly pose any problem during using it.”