Vaccine passports are drawing interest, and concerns
Israel became the first nation to roll out a “green pass,” allowing people vaccinated against Covid-19 to resume normal activities. Several European countries are considering doing the same. Thailand on Tuesday ordered a study on issuing certificates to vaccinated travelers to boost tourism.
The idea is gaining traction as a way to restart economies. But the proposal is also provoking a backlash among those who say vaccine passports will exacerbate wealth gaps and discrimination. Vaccines are already more accessible to wealthy, white communities.
Some versions of the documents might permit bearers to travel internationally. Others would allow entry to vaccinated-only spaces like gyms, concert venues and restaurants.
Context: Some countries already require proof of vaccination against other viruses — for example, yellow fever — to enter. So do schools and day-care facilities in many U.S. states. But there is little precedent for society-wide restrictions.
Quotable: “If vaccines become a passport to doing different things, we’re going to see the communities that have been already hardest hit by Covid being left behind,” said a public health expert.
Here are the latest updates and maps of the pandemic.
In other developments:

■ People in Manaus, Brazil, who had immunity from previous bouts of the coronavirus contracted it again as the P.1 variant spread there, according to three studies. The research has not yet been published in scientific journals. Authors caution that findings on cells in laboratories do not always translate to the real world.

■ China is aiming to vaccinate 40 percent of its population against Covid-19 by the end of June, a prominent health expert said. But it faces challenges from people reluctant to take it.
The new York Times
Me After P.1 there will be more variants of concern. Perhaps they should have names this one A.1 instead?