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Xi Jinping at the 15th G10 Summit, November 21st, 2020
Will QR code save tourism ? When the rest of the world is facing a second wave of the pandemic, the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, proposes to use the QR Code Technology to save tourism.
It was during the 15th G20 Summit that Xi Jinping revealed to the leaders from all around the world what might be the only way to save tourism. Indeed, the Chinese President believes that QR Code might be the solution for the pandemic. But how would this work ?
What is a QR Code ?
The QR code is an encoded information within an image decrypted by using cellphone’s camera. In that case, the idea is to create a unique QR Code for each individuals that would be stored and displayed on our phones.
A color code solution
Imagine your daily routine being entirely dependent on a QR Code. Leaving your home, taking the subway, going to work— each move, dictated by a color shown on your screen. Green: you’re free to go. Yellow or Red: you’re barred from entry. As you might guess, citizens who were given a red code would have to go into quarantine for 14-days, those with a yellow code would go to quarantine for seven days, while citizens with a green code would be allowed to move around freely.
Provided informations by the citizens
Here is how it goes: the citizens would provide their health informations themselves and then the government will provide you a QR Code. Such a method already exists in China, with the support of large companies like Tencent (a Chinese multinational technology conglomerate holding company) and has, according to Xi Jinping, helped to curb the spread of the virus in the country.
A solution already implemented around the world
As a result, China has returned to normal life, while the rest of the world is facing a second wave. Some countries have decided to take inspiration by the Chinese government’s methods to stem the pandemic. Therefore, the United Kingdom provides those who have been vaccinated against the Covid-19 a National Health Service (NHS) QR Code to attend social events like a football match, or any form of live show. Greece and Spain already announced that they will tighten control measures for travelers, from anyone entering their territory, requiring a negative test with a QR code.
A solution already implemented around the world
As a result, China has returned to normal life, while the rest of the world is facing a second wave. Some countries have decided to take inspiration by the Chinese government’s methods to stem the pandemic. Therefore, the United Kingdom provides those who have been vaccinated against the Covid-19 a National Health Service (NHS) QR Code to attend social events like a football match, or any form of live show. Greece and Spain already announced that they will tighten control measures for travelers, from anyone entering their territory, requiring a negative test with a QR code.
A method highly criticized
Nevertheless, even if QR Codes represent technological progress, this method is highly controversial in terms of individual liberties, as it forbids people to move around freely. Furthermore, such a practice goes totally against medical secrecy, and it will be almost impossible to prevent datas to be used for others means. Some people are worried that they would have to be forced to be vaccinated if they want to live a normal life again.
Click here to read the full Xi Jinping’s statement
Learn more about methods China used to stem the pandemic here
Sources:
Britons vaccinated against Covid ‘may get QR codes on their phones to allow them into football matches‘, by Luke Andrews
L’entrée en Espagne n’est possible qu’en présentant un code QR et un test PCR, by Lena
One reply on “QR CODE : The Saving Grace of Tourism ?”
Interesting !