‘Freedom passport’ app could allow pubs, restaurants and sports venues to reopen with minimal social distancing
- Users will instantly be able to show evidence of their latest negative Covid test
- A government review is due to conclude before all restrictions lifted on June 21
- Experts describe the technology as ‘a massive game-changer for this summer’
A mobile phone ‘freedom passport’ app has been developed which could allow pubs, restaurants and sports venues to reopen with minimal social distancing, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
The designers say it means users will instantly be able to show evidence of their latest negative Covid-19 test after receiving the result.
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has asked for ideas on test certification options, while the Government assesses the operational and ethical factors. Its review is due to conclude before all Covid restrictions are lifted on June 21.
The Government may ask for the certificates to include vaccination data.
Sports venues such as Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium, pictured on Saturday night, could benefit from the tech
The app is linked to rapid coronavirus home-testing kits produced by UK firm Excalibur Healthcare Services, led by Professor Sir Chris Evans.
It has teamed up with artificial intelligence company Sensyne Health to create the app, which is under review by the Government and the NHS.
Consumers can download the app for free from next month and buy testing kits from Excalibur. Users hold a smartphone over a test, which reads and inputs the result.
Prof Evans said: ‘This is a massive game-changer for this summer.’