Covid ‘passports’ which would allow Brits testing negative to go to pubs, schools and work are now in development, according to a new report.
Firms have been given the government go-ahead with contracts agreed to begin exploratory work.
The smartphone app will boast a QR code – allowing people to instantly prove they do not have deadly coronavirus.
A Department of Health source explained the scheme was in its infancy – and said the system was not going to be introduced imminently.
“It is about looking at ways we could use this in future,” the government source told the Daily Mail. “It is looking at whether it would be possible.
“There are no plans to introduce immunity passports.”
It would be used on smartphones which links to a digital passport, including a photo of the person.
The agreed contracts are understood to only refer to Covid test passports.
The Department of Health and Social Care said it was “continually exploring ways in which we can return to normality”, including through technology.
A spokesman said: “We have no plans to introduce immunity passports following this vaccination programme.”
Ministers previously ruled out introducing passports for those who have had a vaccine.
It comes after Downing Street’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the UK is powerless to stop the mutant strain of coronavirus.
Telling a Downing Street briefing, he warned: “The evidence on this virus is it spreads easily, it’s more transmissible.
“We absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place.
“I think it is likely that this will grow in numbers of the variant across the country and I think it’s likely, therefore, that measures will need to be increased in some places, in due course, not reduced. I think it is the case that this will spread more.”U
