The Covid Certification Scheme And What Businesses Need To Do

It has now been confirmed that a mandatory Covid certification scheme is going to be rolled out in Northern Ireland, so we thought we would take a look at this scheme, which will come into effect later this month (but with a two week grace period before it becomes mandatory on December 13th), from a business point of view to see what measures they need to take.

Here we have details on what defines Covid certification, where it will apply and what businesses have to do to ensure they are compliant with the new regulations, all copied from an article on the Belfast Telegraph website by Christopher Leebody:

What Defines Covid Certification

`Covid certification requires proof of full vaccination status, or a negative Lateral Flow Test in the previous 48 hours, or proof of recovery from a positive PCR test in the previous 30 – 180 days.

Where Will It Apply?

`The primary locations that will see the most usage from the passport are likely to be indoor hospitality venues such as: nightclubs, venues which serve food and drink, cinemas, theatres, concert halls and conference centres.

It will also apply to indoor events with 500 or more attendees with some or all of the audience not normally seated.

Outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees with some or all of the audience not normally seated will also require proof of Covid certification.

While it will be needed for events where more than 10,000 people will be present regardless of whether they are seated.

What Do Businesses Have To Do?

`If you run a business or event in Northern Ireland which will be required to expect proof of vaccination, the process involves the use of the COVIDCert Check NI app on a smartphone or tablet.

The app allows QR codes from both the travel and domestic certificates to be scanned.

If the QR code is verified, the display will show a green screen containing a tick.

If the QR code is not verified, the display will show a red screen containing a cross.

Information gathered from those trying to enter the venue will be limited, with only a positive or negative indication of status, alongside the selfie which was uploaded by the person who downloaded the certificate for verification purposes. `

It is vitally important that all businesses follow the guidance and be compliant with the regulations so that there will be no further restrictions added further on down the line by the Executive.