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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Jon Robinson

Andy Burnham calls on Government to publish guidance over vaccine passports

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called on the Government to publish guidance on the planned introduction of vaccine passports for nightclubs and other crowded venues in the autumn.

The mayor said he had received calls from the hospitality sector in the region for greater clarity over the proposed passports which are expected to be brought in during September.

Speaking at his regular virtual press conference, Mr Burnham added that there has been "confusion" over the policy.

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He said: "[Businesses] need to know how they will put these in place.

"[They] were a bit surprised by the Government's announcement.

"I would call on ministers to publish the guidance as soon as possible.

"We need to clear up the confusion.

"There's a need for clarity. There is a sense this week that things are in a little bit of flux."

At the same event, Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese said the passports were another way to encourage younger people in the area to get both their vaccinations.

He added getting both doses would help protect people's new freedoms.

Sir Richard also confirmed that, per 100,000, Greater Manchester's Covid-19 case rates are now higher than they were during the second and third waves.

The comments from Mr Burnham and Sir Richard come after the Prime Minister was facing a backlash over his plans to make coronavirus vaccination compulsory for night clubs.

He has been also told to clarify the relaxation of isolation rules for some fully-vaccinated critical workers who are close contacts of Covid-19 cases after a Government statement said it would not be a "blanket exemption for any sector or role".

Speaking from self-isolation on so-called "freedom day" on Monday, Mr Johnson warned venues with large crowds that they must make full vaccination a requirement of entry from the end of September.

Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said during the Downing Street press conference clubs had the potential to cause "super spreading events".

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