Jersey QR Codes Accepted At UK 'Covid Pass' Venues

Islanders visiting the UK over Christmas will be able to use Jersey QR codes to access events and public venues requiring the NHS 'Covid Pass' app.

Proof of vaccination will be required in some places from next week under the UK Government's 'Plan B' restrictions announced on Wednesday.

But the widely used NHS app does not allow vaccination proof from other jurisdictions - including Jersey - to be imported, so islanders will have to provide separate evidence of having been vaccinated if they are visiting friends and family in the UK over the festive period.

Jersey's Director of Public Health, Dr Peter Bradley, tells Channel 103 islanders shouldn't be at a disadvantage when travelling:

"We've got more documentation than anyone would need in order to travel. That will allow them to visit their loved ones over the Christmas period."

He added that when the UK's new rules come into effect, some venues may need to be told that non-NHS QR codes do work when scanned:

"Unfortunately, we can't influence what other jurisdictions decide in terms of visiting venues and events, it takes a bit of time for these things to work these things through, so it may be a possibility that some events may exclude people from the island, which clearly we need to look at as an issue."

Islanders vaccinated in Jersey won't be able to obtain a British 'Covid Pass' to prove their vaccination status when in the UK, but Jersey QR codes will be accepted by the NHS app

The UK's Department for Health and Social Care has reassured islanders visiting the UK that Jersey QR codes will show as valid if scanned using the official NHS Covid Pass Verifier app:

"International visitors vaccinated overseas can show proof of vaccination at the UK border. This can also be used for entry into places where the NHS COVID Pass is required in England."

The Government of Jersey website to generate QR codes yourself remains offline after a 'security loophole' was found within hours of launching, which allowed vaccination certificates to be accessed using just a few personal details.

Until it's restored, islanders need to call the Coronavirus Helpline on 0800 735 5566 to request a QR code and have it emailed to them.