The government wants COVID-19 vaccination certificates to be digitized by the end of the year and actively used at commercial facilities among other places. Currently, paper certificates are issued as proof of vaccination for people traveling overseas.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said at a press conference on Thursday that the certificates would be digitized by the end of this year before they are made available for domestic use as part of efforts to revive economic activities while preventing infections.
"We are studying the possibility of digitization by the end of this year. If the certificates are digitized, they could be used domestically," Kato said.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also mentioned the possibility of using vaccination certificates for dining out, travel and events, among other things. "We will carefully consider the restoration of daily life and socioeconomic activities," Suga said.
The digital vaccination certificate will include the recipient's name, date of birth, passport number, date of inoculation, and the type of vaccine that was administered.
If the certificates are used in Japan, holders will likely be able to receive services and discounts at hotels and restaurants, among other places.
The government has been cautious about using such a system in Japan. Kato said in the past, "It is not appropriate to unfairly discriminate against people based on whether they have been vaccinated or not." However, the business community has been strongly requesting the use of digital certificates.
In June, the Japan Business Federation submitted a proposal to the government calling for the swift introduction of the certificates. Dining discounts and the easing of restrictions for events and nursing home visits were among examples cited for how the certificates could be utilized.
The government plans to create operational guidelines so that people without the certificates will not be unduly disadvantaged.
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