After the first wave of the pandemic of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (according to scientists ‘ predictions, it can go to the beginning of September), States can begin to gradually open the borders
Photo: Andrew Nikitichev / AGN Moscow
One such measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus may be the introduction of a particular biological identity, or “immune passports” indicating that the person is not a carrier of the virus or in his blood already has antibodies
Photo: IgorVetushko / DepositPhotos
After the first wave of the pandemic of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (according to scientists ‘ predictions, it can go to the beginning of September), States can begin to gradually open the border.
However, the concern that asymptomatic carriers can cause new outbreaks of the disease, make you think about all kinds of precautions.
One such measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus may be the introduction of a particular biological identity, or “immune passports” indicating that the person is not a carrier of the virus or in his blood already has antibodies. Simply put, such a passport could be given to those who have been ill or has a natural immunity. But such documents shall be recognized by all States.
The first step in this direction has already been made China – 12 April-those wishing to stay in hotels in Beijing should submit the certificate about absence of coronavirus. The representative of the city administration of Beijing culture and tourism, Zhou Weimin said that the certificate should be issued not earlier than a week before arrival, it must also be specified special code, confirming the absence COVID-19. To avoid tampering of certificates of police of the Chinese capital have been instructed to step up control measures.
How to write “Izvestia”, the initiative to introduce the immune passports was also made by Germany. German scientists have proposed to test residents for antibodies to the coronavirus and those who acquired immunity, the corresponding certificate.
According to experts Deutsche Bank, such biological passport would be a ticket to Germany and foreign tourists. Otherwise, travelers could face mandatory period of isolation upon arrival in Germany.
Supported the idea also in the UK and in the USA. The Minister of health of British Matt Hancock suggested that all already ill by the coronavirus and to develop antibodies to the disease to issue a special document that will allow them not to comply with the quarantine.
The Russian travel market experts also consider interesting the idea of “biological passports”, but from their point of view, it is difficult.
If the test must be done during the week before the arrival of the tourist in the hotel, then over the next week, if he was healthy, still can get on the street, on a plane, on arrival in the country.
Who asked to remain anonymous expert in the field of air transport, in turn, reminded that a number of countries in March imposed a rule that all visitors must have a certificate of absence COVID-2019. For Russian tourists this actually meant a ban on entry into the country, as to make such a statement impossible.
In addition, it is unknown how long immunity lasts to this disease and how it would react to the new mutation of coronavirus.
Experts note that even if the immune passport will become a reality, it will happen not earlier than in couple of years. And, most likely, these immune passport will initially not cheap. And conspiracy theorists commenting on this innovation, once pointed out that “the immune passport” can be the first step to chipping the population.