The Israeli Experience with the "Green Pass" Policy Highlights Issues to Be Considered by Policymakers in Other Countries.

Ruth Waitzberg,Sharon Alroy-Preis,Noa Triki,Liat Shiran,Nachman Ash,Tomer Lotan

doi:10.3390/ijerph182111212

Abstract

In the first half of 2021, Israel had been ahead of other countries concerning the speed of its rollout and coverage of COVID-19 vaccinations. During that time, Israel had implemented a vaccine certificate policy, the “Green Pass Policy” (GPP), to reduce virus spread and to allow the safe relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in a time of great uncertainty. Based on an analysis of GPP regulations and public statements compiled from the Israeli Ministry of Health website, we describe the design and implementation of the GPP. We also look back and discuss lessons learned for countries that are considering a GPP policy, given the current upsurge of the Delta variant as of summer 2021. To reduce equity concerns when introducing a GPP, all population groups should be eligible for the vaccine (contingent on approval from the manufacturer) and have access to it. Alternatively, health authorities can grant temporary certificates based on a negative test. We also highlight the fact that in practice, there will be gaps between the GPP regulations and implementation. While some places might require a GPP without legal need, others will not implement it despite a legal obligation. The GPP regulations should have standardised epidemiological criteria, be implemented gradually, remain flexible, and change according to the epidemiological risks.

Highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many countries to impose lockdowns and restrictions on their residents to control the surge of this disease [1]
Green pass policies have been already used in some countries to restrict the entrance of children without infant immunisation to kindergartens [2,3]
Some content has been supplemented with information from the Health System Response Monitor (HSRM, https://www.covid19healthsystem.org/), an online platform established in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to collect and organise up-to-date information on how countries in the WHO European region have been responding to the crisis

Summary

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many countries to impose lockdowns and restrictions on their residents to control the surge of this disease [1]. After more than one year of restricted life, bringing high economic and social burdens, COVID-19 vaccines have allowed countries to relax some restrictions and return to a more or less normal life. While most people are eager to do so, the path is uncertain and should be planned with caution. The use of vaccination certificates is not new. Green pass policies have been already used in some countries to restrict the entrance of children without infant immunisation to kindergartens [2,3]. Others require vaccine passports (e.g., for yellow fever) for foreign visitors [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion