Data exchange provides an opportunity for Latvian residents to use their digital certificates when visiting other EU member states. The certificate is a proof that the holder has been vaccinated, has a negative Covid-19 test or has recovered from Covid-19, and the information in a form of QR code can be checked in another country.
Latvia is among the first member states that has joined the system. Currently information exchange can be held with those countries that also have joined - Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Poland and Spain. Information about the countries that have joined is being updated.
The National Health Service said that the EU Digital Covid Certificate does not lift other regulations in relation to presenting a negative Covid-19 test and self-isolation requirement for non-vaccinated people.
Earlier Latvia planned to join the EU Digital Covid Certificate on June 15, but thanks to active work of the National Health Service and cooperation with EU institutions Latvia managed to join the EU certificate sooner.
So far, on Latvian Covid-19 certificate site www.covid19sertifikats.lv, nearly 270,000 digital certificates have been opened, including 223,000 certificates on vaccination, more than 28,000 certificates on Covid-19 tests and more than 17,000 certificates on the fact of recovery from Covid-19.
MEPs on Wednesday approved the introduction of the European Union's digital Covid certificate to revitalize tourism and boost Europe's economic recovery.
The certificate will be issued by public authorities, will be free of charge and will be available in paper or digital format (with QR code). The document will show that the person has been vaccinated against Covid-19, has recently had a negative test result or has recovered from the infection. In practice, they will be three different certificates. They will be compatible and verifiable throughout the European Union, and special rules will also prevent fraud and counterfeiting.
The system will be implemented from 1 July 2021 and will run for 12 months. The certificate will not be a precondition for free movement and will not be considered a travel document.
