Governments around the world are beginning to ease restrictions as the virus shows signs of slowing down.
There are discussions in a number of countries about the use of ‘immunity certificates’ that would allow people to show they have antibodies to the disease and are therefore allowed to work or travel.
But the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned against such measures.
“There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection,” WHO said.
Assistant Professor Hannah Clapham commented that ‘immunity passports’ would require a deeper scientific understanding of how COVID-19 immunity works.
“There are also a lot of equity issues – who has access to testing, and then you don’t want to create a perverse incentive to have been infected,” said Dr Clapham.
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