Covid passports could be axed within weeks as Plan B rules in England are due for review on January 26, it is being reported.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid appeared to hint on Thursday (January 13) that the 'passports' for large venues and nightclubs could be ditched, the Mirror reports.
At the moment, people have to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test to get in to some places.
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who represents Rutland and Melton, asked him to “drop domestic certification at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Mr Javid told MPs: “On the issue that she also raised around the domestic certification, I have to say I do share my honourable friend’s instinctive discomfort.
“I want to assure her, I will assure the House, that as far as I’m concerned, we wont be keeping domestic certification in place for a moment longer than absolutely necessary.”
When Plan B measures are reviewed, it appears likely that the only Covid rule which will continue beyond then is mask-wearing indoors, reports The Times.
Plan B rules include masks on public transport and in shops, work from home guidance, as well as the Covid passes.
It is understood that Prime Minister Boris Johnson and ministers are confident they can end the rules on January 26 - saving the Government from another vote in the Commons.
When Plan B rules were voted on in Parliament in December, 100 Tory MPs rebelled.
Government sources said Mr Javid’s words should not be interpreted as meaning Covid passes will end on that date and that it is still too early to say what will happen on January 26.
On Thursday, Mr Javid announced the period people will need to isolate after testing positive for Covid-19 will be cut to five days.
Anyone who tests positive will now be able to get back to work, school or college in less than a week.
Previously people had to stay home for 10 days, then seven and the rule will now be changed again.
The rule will apply in England.
He said that, from Monday, people will be able to take two tests to get out of isolation, “leaving isolation at the start of day six”.
