Update to Covid certification options
Date published:
A number of new options have been introduced to enable people to prove their Covid certification status.
From today, digital recovery certificates are now available through the COVIDCert NI app - providing official confirmation of a positive Covid-19 PCR between 30 days and 180 days ago.
Proof of a positive Covid-19 PCR test in the 30-180 day period is one of the Covid certification options for accessing designated settings, including pubs and licensed restaurants.
Covid certification came into effect in Northern Ireland on Monday 29 November, to help limit the transmission of Covid-19 in higher risk settings. Enforcement for non-compliance starts this Monday December 13.
Individuals who have already activated the travel certificate in their COVIDCert NI app, and have had a positive PCR test in the 30 to 180 day timeframe, will be able to use the recovery certificate option from today. For anyone who hasn’t yet downloaded the app, or applied for a travel certificate, more information on how to get the app is available on NI Direct.
Additionally from today, anyone who cannot receive a Covid-19 vaccination on medical grounds can now apply for an exemption certificate. Applications can be made by calling the Covid Certification Service helpline on 0300 200 7814, (available Monday to Sunday from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm) and selecting Option 5 for Other Queries. Full details on the application process are published on NI Direct www.nidirect.gov.uk/covid-exemption-certificate
People attending a range of venues including licensed pubs/restaurants, nightclubs, cinemas and theatres, and larger indoor and outdoor events such as concerts or large sporting events, are required to show staff their Covid status. The COVIDCert NI app is the easiest way to do this but there are other methods, including a paper certificate with a secure QR code, and the vaccination cards provided when people got their jabs. More information on accepted forms of proof is published on the Department of Health website.
Notes to editors:
- 333,783 Domestic Certs have been activated on the COVIDCert NI app.
- A Covid Status Certification guidance poster for businesses/venues is available online via the Department of Health website.
- For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
- Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.