Ethical Implementation of ‘Immunity Passports’ during the COVID-19 Pandemic

5 Pages Posted: 24 Apr 2020

See all articles by Teck Chuan Voo

Teck Chuan Voo

National University of Singapore

Hannah E. Clapham

Hospital of Tropical Diseases - Oxford University Clinical Research Unit

Clarence C. Tam

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine - Department of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology

Date Written: April 8, 2020

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in implementation of severe social and physical distancing measures in many countries.

The use of ‘immunity passports’ has been suggested as a way to ease restrictions on infected and recovered individuals, allowing some people to return to work and kickstart the economic recovery.

Ill-conceived immunity passport policies have the potential to cause severe unintended harms that could result in greater inequity, the stigmatisation of certain sectors of society, and heightened risks and unequal treatment of individuals due to erroneous test results.

Sector-based policies that prioritise access to testing based on societal need are likely to be fairer and logistically more feasible, while minimising stigma and reducing incentives for fraud.

Keywords: Ethics, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, serological assays, disease control policy, equity, stigma

JEL Classification: I

Suggested Citation

Voo, Teck Chuan and Clapham, Hannah E. and Tam, Clarence C., Ethical Implementation of ‘Immunity Passports’ during the COVID-19 Pandemic (April 8, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3571830 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3571830

Teck Chuan Voo

National University of Singapore ( email )

Singapore
Singapore
117597 (Fax)

Hannah E. Clapham

Hospital of Tropical Diseases - Oxford University Clinical Research Unit

Vietnam

Clarence C. Tam (Contact Author)

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health ( email )

16 Medical Drive
#10-01
117597
Singapore

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine - Department of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology ( email )

London
United Kingdom

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