Denmark launches new corona passport: Here’s what you need to know about 'Coronapas' app
Denmark’s new app for coronavirus passports, Coronapas, can be downloaded from App Store and Google Play as of Friday.
The app was developed by private company Netcompany on behalf of the Ministry of Health’s data agency and the Agency for Digitisation after parliament’s decision in February to broadly use corona passports as part of the national plan to lift lockdown.
Ethics and cyber security advisors have also been involved in the app’s development, broadcaster DR reports.
Although the pre-existing MinSundhed app has been used as a platform for corona passports since March, the new dedicated app will supersede it amongst users in Denmark, the government hopes.
Unlike the old app, Coronapas gives access to a page which shows a QR code with a green banner if the passport is valid.
The requirements for a valid corona passport — full vaccination or two weeks since first dose; a negative test taken within the last 72 hours; or recent recovery from Covid-19 — are unchanged.
The rules for when it must be shown, for example when eating inside at a restaurant, using a gym or when spot checked at a library — also remain the same.
READ ALSO: When will Denmark stop requiring corona passports and face masks?
Unlike the MinSundhed app, the new app tells the user their vaccination, infection and test history but only show others whether or not the corona passport is valid – and not the reason for its validity.
It also removes the need for the reader to calculate whether a corona passport is still valid, for example by looking at the time and date of a recent test. The QR code page will automatically display in green if the passport is valid.
The new app is also designed to be compatible with foreign travel where and when corona passports are a requirement for this.
By switching to ‘foreign travel’ mode, the app automatically applies the EU criteria for it to be valid for travel on the continent. This can be different from the criteria used in Denmark.
The app is compatible with European standards and can communicate with readers and technology developed for the same purpose in other EU countries, according to pilot project testing.
“With the corona passport, the door will soon again be open to all countries in Europe where the pandemic is under control because, from June 1st, it will be possible to use the new corona passport to travel withing the EU,” finance minister Nicolai Wammen told DR.
READ ALSO: What’s the latest on how the EU’s ‘Covid passports’ will work for travellers?
In order to download and use the app, you must have a NemID, the secure digital system used to log on to online services in Denmark.
Corona passports are valid 14 days after receiving the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination or when fully vaccinated; for 72 hours after a negative rapid or PCR test for the virus; and for up to 8 months after infection with and recovery from Covid-19.
Comments
See Also
The app was developed by private company Netcompany on behalf of the Ministry of Health’s data agency and the Agency for Digitisation after parliament’s decision in February to broadly use corona passports as part of the national plan to lift lockdown.
Ethics and cyber security advisors have also been involved in the app’s development, broadcaster DR reports.
Although the pre-existing MinSundhed app has been used as a platform for corona passports since March, the new dedicated app will supersede it amongst users in Denmark, the government hopes.
Unlike the old app, Coronapas gives access to a page which shows a QR code with a green banner if the passport is valid.
The requirements for a valid corona passport — full vaccination or two weeks since first dose; a negative test taken within the last 72 hours; or recent recovery from Covid-19 — are unchanged.
The rules for when it must be shown, for example when eating inside at a restaurant, using a gym or when spot checked at a library — also remain the same.
READ ALSO: When will Denmark stop requiring corona passports and face masks?
Unlike the MinSundhed app, the new app tells the user their vaccination, infection and test history but only show others whether or not the corona passport is valid – and not the reason for its validity.
It also removes the need for the reader to calculate whether a corona passport is still valid, for example by looking at the time and date of a recent test. The QR code page will automatically display in green if the passport is valid.
The new app is also designed to be compatible with foreign travel where and when corona passports are a requirement for this.
By switching to ‘foreign travel’ mode, the app automatically applies the EU criteria for it to be valid for travel on the continent. This can be different from the criteria used in Denmark.
The app is compatible with European standards and can communicate with readers and technology developed for the same purpose in other EU countries, according to pilot project testing.
“With the corona passport, the door will soon again be open to all countries in Europe where the pandemic is under control because, from June 1st, it will be possible to use the new corona passport to travel withing the EU,” finance minister Nicolai Wammen told DR.
READ ALSO: What’s the latest on how the EU’s ‘Covid passports’ will work for travellers?
In order to download and use the app, you must have a NemID, the secure digital system used to log on to online services in Denmark.
Corona passports are valid 14 days after receiving the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination or when fully vaccinated; for 72 hours after a negative rapid or PCR test for the virus; and for up to 8 months after infection with and recovery from Covid-19.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.