Authorities in Andalusia considering vaccination certificate as pre-requisite for big events

The president of Andalusia's Regional Government, Juanma Moreno, has confirmed that he and his colleagues are looking into the possibility of issuing some kind of "certificate" of vaccination against covid-19 which will allow the holder to travel, go to football matches and other big event venues. However, he also stressed that vaccination will never be compulsory.

Moreno made the comments to journalists during a press conference held in the Sierra Nevada ski resort in Granada, explaining that whilst vaccination will not be obligatory, a certificate of vaccination might well become compulsory in order to be able to travel or to take part in certain activities.

The regional president reiterated that the authorities could not make anyone have the vaccination against their will, but that it was a "moral obligation that we owe to ourselves and to others" and that it in no way infringed anyone's personal liberties.

He did, however, emphasise that in the near future, participation in some activities would require a vaccination certificate, the format of which is still being studied. It could be in the form of an identity card or a QR code, but it would prove "categorically" that the holder had been vaccinated.

As an example of restricted activities Moreno mentioned football matches, concerts and other events where large crowds of people get together - none of which will be accessible without either this certificate or a negative PCR test carried out in the previous 72 hours.

"In short, it is a guarantee", he summarised, confirming that proof of vaccination would indeed become compulsory to attend this type of large-scale event.

Moreno concluded the interview by asking the people of Andalusia for patience while decisions were being made “diligently and with the most recent healthcare data available”, and he urged people in the region to be on their “best behaviour” this Christmas".