Gillian Mackay: We need more clarity around consequences of vaccine passports

We need to be honest with each other and recognise, as the First Minister did this week, that with cases 80% higher than they were just a week ago, the speed and scale of infections are very concerning indeed.

The return of schools has created further pressure and allowed the virus to spread. The story of around half of pupils in St Ninians High School in Kirkintilloch having to self-isolate shows how disruptive the virus can still be.

READ MORE: Here's how to get your 'vaccine passport'

But there are health concerns too. While the vaccine has played its part in reducing the serious health harms from Covid-19, we are still seeing hospitals under strain. The fact is, people are still getting very sick and dying from this virus.

Let’s remember than our NHS staff have been dealing with this crisis for 18 months now. I hear some health board areas are back to the situation of cancelling elective procedures, of which there is a backlog exhausted staff are already trying to address. Looking ahead, we have the flu season and other winter pressures. The exhausted workforce must be looking at this surge in cases with dismay.

I am particularly concerned for vulnerable people and their unpaid carers. The spike in cases is particularly dangerous for them, and unless there are moves to bring this spread under control, they are going to feel abandoned.

They already feel anxious. Many people with underlying conditions, disabled people and those that care for them fear to leave their own home, that with cases so high they will be put at risk by those who don’t wear a face covering or keep a safe distance. Those with poor mental health are at risk too.

We must not be in a situation where people who are vulnerable are not allowed to work from home by their employers.

Re-imposing restrictions is a difficult option, but it must be considered if we cannot bring the virus under control. The fact is the UK Government’s approach has been reckless, and without the financial levers to extend furlough, Scotland’s choices are limited.

That’s why face coverings, careful hygiene controls and the ability to work from home are so important. Schools must be well ventilated if they are going to stay open safely, and I hope the approval of vaccination of younger teenagers comes soon. Young people have had enough disruption to their lives during formative years.

The return of universities and colleges will present its own challenges. We do not want to see hundreds of students effectively imprisoned in their halls through self-isolation again if we can avoid it.

Schools have yet to return in England, but when the inevitable rise in cases happens there, will the UK Government take a more cautious approach? I have my doubts. So far, we have had UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson (above) instructing children to “not get carried away”. What does that even mean? It certainly typifies a government which has failed to convey even basic public health messaging throughout the pandemic.

But with no possibility of an extension of furlough and with a UK Government intent on gambling on an approach to infect as many as possible and hope immunity kicks in, we have to acknowledge that mixed messages and limited financial independence restricts what Scotland can do.

Given the limited options available, I understand why the First Minister has considered vaccine certificates in limited circumstances as an option for keeping things open, but it is a system which has many pitfalls and potential negative impacts.

There is the obvious human rights implication if our ability to go about our daily lives is dependent on our health status, but there are concerns too for how they might negatively impact disabled people, those with underlying health conditions and those from the global south who may not be able to access proof of vaccination.

There must be a clarity about the consequences of this move, and it shouldn’t be extended to essential services.

Furthermore, crucially, we must not give the impression that being vaccinated gives complete protection against the virus. Even if you are fully vaccinated, it’s important to recognise that joining a large crowd, inside or out, still presents a risk of you getting infected and becoming ill. The vaccine will help prevent the severity of that illness, but long-term effects like shortness of breath, fatigue and sleeping problems are widely reported.

No-one wants to accept getting sick as the new normal, so caution and vigilance must remain top of the agenda.