GE Digital partnered with traceability startup TE-FOOD and laboratory service Eurofins to develop an app that facilitates passenger adherence to Covid-19 related traveling requirements and blockchain verification of test results. These types of apps are sometimes referred to as “immunity passports” or “health passports”. While the GE app was first unveiled in June last year, on Sunday, Emirates Airlines announced it is currently trialing the solution in five countries.
Besides mandatory quarantines, many countries require individuals to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test at airport border control. The test must be taken up to 72 hours before departure. Portugal, Spain, France and others imposed the protocol during the Summer, and the UK adopted the measure in mid-December. Some airlines such as United also require individuals to present the negative test before boarding.
For passengers, administering the logistics of undergoing PCR tests and getting back the results within the time frames is quite a hassle. Some lab centers only administer rapid or antigen tests and some testing centers can take four to five days to deliver the results. Furthermore, the financial cost adds up. The U.S. is an extreme example where prices can range from $23 to $2,315 without insurance. In Dubai, prices can go up to 250 AED per person ($68)
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