Sweden to introduce digital COVID vaccine certificates from Dec 1 for public gatherings

Sweden is all set to introduce a digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate for public garings and events with more than 100 people indoors, authorities said on Wednesday, November 17 as reported by news agency Associated Press (AP). Several European Union countries have taken similar steps in response to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases across continent. Lena Hallengren, Minister of Social Affairs, informed that certificate will be implemented from December 1. Sweden has consistently stood out among European countries for its hands-off approach to pandemic. 

Meanwhile, Amanda Lind, country's cultural minister, stated that although vaccination certificate will not be mandatory in country, people who will not be able to produce it would be subjected to some restrictions. She also stated that it was up to event organisers to decide on restrictions, reported news agency. According to Karin Tegmark Wisell, he of Swedish Public Health Agency, introduction is "an important measure in order to avoid burdening health-care system."

Sweden reported 15,107 COVID-related deaths so far

It is significant to mention here that Sweden did not go into lockdown or close businesses during pandemic, inste relied on citizens' sense of civic duty to keep infections under control. authorities in country have stressed individual responsibility inste of focusing on government's health measures. Officially, Scandinavian country has registered 15,107 deaths, with 13 of m confirmed on Wednesday, November 17. According to official statistics, 85.3 per cent of people aged 16 and above have been vaccinated with at least one dose, whereas, 81.7 per cent of people are fully inoculated.

Meanwhile, a group of 16 doctors from Sweden along with researchers have signed a petition demanding suspension of Pfizer jabs in European country due to a suspected fraud with subcontractor. As per a report by Sputnik, earlier this month, British Medical Journal (BMJ) disclosed that a subcontractor to Pfizer was likely to conduct an extensive research fraud during crucial phase III study of US drugmaker’s COVID-19 vaccine in 2020. group of 16 Swedish doctors considered reports surrounding Pfizer "extremely serious." petition signed and penned by health experts have stated, "It undermines confidence in Pfizer, which is responsible for testing vaccine and for safety of vaccine currently used by Swedes," reported Sputnik.  

(Image: AP/Unsplash)