The South African Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate System was brought online on Tuesday to produce a digital copy of the physical vaccine card. It is currently undergoing live testing.
This is good news for vaccinated citizens, particularly travellers and people who depend on local and international travel for business. ‘It can be used to facilitate travel, [for] access to establishments and gatherings, and other forms of activity that require proof of vaccination status,’ President Cyril Ramaphosa said of the certificate during the announcement of South Africa’s move to Adjusted Alert Level 1 lockdown on Thursday. ‘Streamlining and standardising proof of vaccination will also go a long way towards getting several international travel restrictions both from and into our country eased.’
According to Business Insider, the online system adheres to guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation. The digital certificate is linked to the vaccination code issued by the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS), and features a scannable QR code.
When the system is up and running, the digital certificate will be available to download as a PDF which can be stored and used on a mobile device or printed.
What will you need to fill-in?
The online form can be completed with identity type, name, surname and EVDS code (the EVDS vaccination number needed to access the digital certificate is included on the physical card and the SMS verification received after being vaccinated). Users will also need to supply their mobile numbers. A One Time Pin (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number in an SMS. The OTP can then be entered to access the final digital vaccine certificate.
South Africa’s health department has not yet announced the official launch of the South African Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate System, indicating that the system is still being refined.
Featured image: Center for Global Development
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