VACCINE PASSPORT CHECKS START TODAY

Recovery fears as double-jab scheme kicks in

ENFORCEMENT of Scotland’s controversial vaccine passport scheme comes into effect from today – despite serious concerns over the ‘chaotic’ rollout.

Scots will now be forced to prove they are fully vaccinated to enter nightclubs and large indoor and outdoor events as part of a bid to drive up take-up of the life-saving jabs.

The initiative was launched on October 1 but a grace period was announced following a massive backlash from the hospitality industry.

Significant issues with the new app allowing people to download their vaccine status also contributed to the pushback.

Scots will have to show proof they have had both vaccine doses, with a paper copy

‘Forced ever closer to a cliff edge’

of the certificate or a QR code on a new app, although the latter has been plagued with problems since its launch.

Councils are responsible for ensuring venues and businesses are checking vaccine status.

Scottish Tory economy spokesman Liz Smith said businesses are ‘barely more prepared today’ than they were when the ‘chaotic scheme was rushed in’.

Miss Smith said: ‘We have repeatedly called for delays and for significant practical changes to be made, so that businesses and sporting facilities have sufficient time to prepare for these burdensome checks.

‘They will have no choice but to fully comply with this unworkable scheme and will be forced ever closer to a cliff edge.

‘This has the potential to seriously undermine Scotland’s economic recovery in the run-up to the holiday season.’

The Scottish Government has been urged to delay the rollout until after the new year amid fears that it could push companies over the edge.

The hospitality industry has called for the scheme to be scrapped, or for it to be applied to all public services, including transport, if it is forced to bring in the regulations.

Scottish Labour’s health spokesman Jackie Baillie said: ‘The shambles that followed the release of the vaccine passport app was a predictable disaster. Weeks have passed and we have seen no change of plans despite concerns from the public, public health experts and businesses.

‘This whole debacle has happened because the SNP are arrogant enough to believe they are right and Scotland is wrong.

‘The First Minister is making this up as she goes along.’

Scottish Labour has said that rather than bringing in vaccine passports the Government should introduce a system in which people would have to prove they have tested negative with a lateral flow before being able to enter a venue.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: ‘The grace period allowed venues and businesses affected more than two weeks to test the scheme in practice and make suitable arrangements. It has also provided the Government with helpful feedback from the sectors affected and we continue to liaise with them going forward.

‘This is a very limited scheme and we hope this will allow businesses to remain open and prevent any further restrictions as we head into autumn and winter.

‘This virus has not gone away and vaccine certification will have a role to play in keeping transmission under control as part of a wider package of measures.

‘It adds a further layer of protection in certain higher-risk settings.

‘I also want to ensure that as many people get vaccinated as possible and particularly to increase uptake in the younger age cohort, so anything to incentivise that is helpful.’

‘Making this up as she goes’