Fife Chamber warns of economic risk from vaccine certificates and demands publication of evidence demonstrating it will succeed in slowing transmission of Covid

Following the statement from the First Minister which raised the possibility that vaccine certificates may be required for entry to nightclubs and many large events in Scotland from later this month, Alan Mitchell, Chief Executive of Fife Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Throughout the pandemic, businesses in Fife have worked tirelessly to keep their clients, customers and employees safe and even today many are going beyond what is legally required of them to slow transmission and keep case numbers down.

“The economy is now finally beginning to recover but it is a fragile recovery, and many businesses continue to operate in survival mode. Consumer and business confidence will be damaged by continued warnings from the Scottish Government that restrictions could be re-introduced.

“The prospect of economic deterrents, such as vaccine certificates, being introduced will exacerbate that, especially if it is not justified by data and will have no discernible impact on Covid rates.

“The Scottish Government can allay that fear by the simple act of releasing the data that conclusively shows that vaccine certificates will be effective in controlling covid transmission. It should do so before even considering enacting this policy.”