For those who take Covid-19 tests—whether they’re molecular and designed to detect the active virus, or serological and designed to detect antibodies—important questions have been raised about how to share test results in ways that are both convenient and secure.
Inevitably, a person’s opportunity to resume normal activities like work, school, and travel will be contingent on the ability to declare certified test results. And once a vaccine is developed, people will also need to verify they’ve been vaccinated.
Technology experts are fast at work on solutions that will help people share Covid-19 test results, and ultimately, verify vaccinations. One of the leading solutions being considered is a digital immunity passport. Other names for this solution include immunity app, antibody app, and risk-free certificate.
Immunity passports will likely manifest as digital documents that state an individual has tested negative or positive for the active presence of the Covid-19 virus, or tested negative or positive for IgG antibodies (currently the most reliable indicator that a patient’s immune system encountered and defeated SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19). It is highly likely that digital immunity passports will be stored in secure smartphone apps.
Once immunity is confirmed, the hope is that people will be able to socialize and work together at a greatly reduced risk. Individuals with immunity to Covid-19, and immunity apps to prove it, may begin to return to routine activities, such as work and school. That said, immunity apps that securely share antibody test results, are not yet a perfect solution.
According to public health officials, antibody tests still need to improve accuracy and be more carefully regulated. Separately, the question still remains whether or how much antibodies indicate immunity. Scientists are hopeful there’s a strong correlation, but more research needs to be conducted.
In any case, there’s no question that in the near future, we will need to lean on technology to communicate efficiently and safely while working to reopen and resume our normal lives.
Solution: Virtual Verified Identity Documentation (vVID)
JDP is developing a digital immunity certificate solution called Virtual Verified Identity Documentation (vVID). vVID is a blockchain-secured ID card that contains a person’s biometrically-coded identity, affiliated credentials, and Covid-19 status, in a secure smartphone app. Covid-19 statuses will change over time, with key milestones including testing negative for the active virus, testing positive for antibodies, and ultimately, certification of vaccination. vVID is portable and shareable, allowing users to control who receives their information.