We need a system for creating and enforcing a system providing official proof that people have completed their vaccination process. Establishing a COVID-19 passport is essential to our defeating the current pandemic.

First, we need to create a legal passport document or electronic ID that is secure from forgery. Then we need to issue them to those who qualify. This could be a physical card similar to a driver’s license or a secure app on a smartphone.

We need enabling legislation to allow businesses or places to enforce requirements to restrict access to those having a COVID-19 passport. This should be federal legislation.

Then airlines, restaurants, hotels, businesses, cruise ships, subways, buses, grocery stores, theaters, beaches, etc., that choose could limit access to those who have a COVID-19 passport and prevent others without from entering and endangering others. This would promote business activity, since there are still many people – even those who have already been vaccinated – who are reluctant to expose themselves to those who have not. Businesses should also be permitted to require employees who could potentially endanger others to have a COVID-19 passport.

With all of our great freedoms, we probably cannot require anyone to receive a vaccination of any type. But this pandemic is real and still with us. We need to do everything possible to defeat it.

COVID-19 passports will encourage more people who have been reluctant to become vaccinated to do so now.

Please contact your member of Congress now.

Philip Conner
Harpswell