How can I prove my son’s Covid status?

QOur family holiday to Rome, cancelled several times, finally looked as though it would happen over the October half term. When the airline cancelled our return flight once again, we decided to be creative and fly into Rome and out of Milan, where there is a greater choice of flights at sensible times back to Manchester.

I booked tickets on the fast Frecciarossa train from Rome to Milan to make the connection. Only now, as I am sorting out the paperwork for our imminent trip, have I discovered that the Italians introduced a requirement for a Covid Green Pass or equivalent for all passengers aged over 12 on Sept 1.

My son Andy is 14. He has recently recovered from Covid-19 and has had his first jab. As Italy accepts certificated proof of recovery from the virus, I thought this would not be an issue.

Unfortunately, the NHS does not issue certificates of recovery or allow teenagers under 16 to use the NHS app to access their Covid status. How can my son travel without this proof?

– Kath Darlington

A

Kath’s daughter has also recovered from Covid-19. Because she is 17, she was able to upload her positive test as proof of immunity to the NHS app. So why can’t over-12s do the same?

The NHS tells me that it is “exploring ways to enable children aged 12-15 to demonstrate their vaccination status for the purpose of international travel” but no date has been given for the launch. Over-16s are allowed to download the app because the Government considers them “competent” to access their own medical records.

But all is not lost – although it will cost you, as Andy will also need to prove his negative Covid-19 status if you are planning to enter museums and tourist sites or dine indoors. Fortunately, Italian pharmacies have set up walk-in antigen testing for the unvaccinated who are given a temporary Green Pass after a negative result. The test costs €20-€30 (£17-£25) depending on the pharmacy, usually comes through in 15 minutes and is valid for 48 hours.

More information on travelling to Italy this month can be found here: italia.it/en/useful-info/covid-19-updatesinformation-for-tourists.html

Readers have also been in touch, worried that children who have recently recovered from Covid-19 may still test positive for the virus. The NHS says it is extremely rare for someone to continue to return positive PCR tests for Covid once they have recovered from it.

Rocky ride: Italy’s Covid-19 Green Pass is obligatory for anyone over the age of 12 travelling on trains, planes, ferries and coaches