THE North of Ireland’s Covid-19 certification scheme, which requires people to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter some venues and events, comes into effect today.
However, there is a two-week grace period before fines are imposed on venues that fail to comply.
Ministers agreed to the plan to help curb the spread of Covid-19.
Businesses have said there is a lack of clarity around the scheme and how they should enforce it.
On Friday, Health Minister Robin Swann said unlicensed premises like cafes would be exempt from the rule at this stage.
The regulations will be laid in draft form on Monday, but will require assembly approval.
From today, Monday, November 29, either proof of vaccination, a negative lateral flow test or a positive PCR test for access to:
nightclubs
licensed hospitality premises, including ‘bring your own’ alcohol venues
cinemas, theatres and conference halls
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
events where more than 10,000 people will be present regardless of whether they are seated
line
There will be no enforcement until Monday, December 13, to allow for the scheme to be “bedded in”, the Department of Health said in a statement last week.
The department said the phased approach followed feedback from the retail, hospitality, tourism and events sectors.
It said Covid certification can “reduce the number of infected people in high risk settings” as vaccinated people are “less likely to become infected and ill than unvaccinated people”.
“There is also evidence, from several studies worldwide, that even when people get infected, if they are vaccinated they are less likely to transmit it to others,” it continued.
The scheme has also been met with resistance from some within the executive.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said the scheme was “ill thought out” and unenforceable.
His DUP party voted against bringing in Covid passports.
Last week, he urged other parties to show “political bravery” and reverse the decision.
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