As the Delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread, some restaurants and businesses are considering banning entry to South Africans who have not received their vaccines.
Reports indicate that in the UK, cinemas, restaurants and sporting venues may turn customers away if they have not been vaccinated.
Some venues and nightclubs have also decided to implement a new rule requiring customers to have what is being called an ‘NHS Covid Passport’.
In the United States, private companies and some states are following suit by developing ‘vaccine passports’ – an innovation enabling Americans to prove that they have been vaccinated for Covid-19.
In South Africa, DJ Tira announced that people attending his event in Durban would require a Covid-19 vaccination card in order to gain entry.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s acting Health Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has emphasised citizens’ freedom of choice.
‘We all have freedom of choice,’ she said. ‘Vaccine is voluntary – whether you take the vaccine or not, please, we urge you not to infringe on the rights of others. No one can force you to take the vaccine, not even your employer.’