Ducey preemptively bans vaccine passports; order does not apply to private businesses

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's executive order on April 19, 2021, said taxpayer-funded entities can not require COVID-19 vaccine passports. It allows schools, health care facilities and businesses to keep collecting documentation of vaccination.

Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday issued an executive order forbidding state and local governments from requiring so-called vaccine passports to access services or facilities.

“The residents of our state should not be required by the government to share their private medical information,” the Republican leader said in a statement. “While we strongly recommend all Arizonans get the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not mandated in our state — and it never will be. Vaccination is up to each individual, not the government.”

The order comes two weeks after Ducey said his team was "digging into" the legality of vaccine passports, which generally are some kind of proof that a person has received the COVID-19 vaccine. Ducey's directive primarily focuses on taxpayer-funded entities, and allows schools, health care facilities and businesses to keep collecting documentation of vaccination.

Here's a closer look at what prompted Ducey's order and what it means.

What does the order say?

The directive prohibits government policies or regulations requiring individuals to provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination status to enter facilities, businesses or parks, or to receive services, permits or licenses.

To whom does it apply?

The order focuses on state agencies, counties, cities, towns and businesses contracted by the state to provide services to the public.

It does not apply to private businesses, health care institutions, schools and universities, child care centers and other entities permitted to collect vaccination documents under state law, such as state and local health departments.

Who will enforce the ban?

The order does not outline any enforcement mechanisms.

How long will it remain in effect?

The ban is effective until the public health emergency declaration prompted by the pandemic is lifted.

Why was this issued now?

The timing of Ducey's preemptive ban raised some eyebrows Monday, given that local governments haven't exactly rushed to mandate vaccine passports.

Moar at:. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2021/04/19/arizona-gov-ducey-bans-governments-covid-19-vaccine-passports/7288172002/