QR codes for unofficially recovered COVID-19 have been launched in Russia

In Russia, an order came into force on QR codes for recovering from COVID without going to hospitals

A QR code can now be obtained not only after vaccination, past covid or on the basis of a medical exemption, but also in case of a positive antibody test

From February 21, Russians can receive a COVID-certificate based on a positive test for antibodies to coronavirus. Previously, only vaccinated and recovered patients, as well as those who received a medical exemption from vaccination, could issue a QR code.

The Ministry of Health published an order to change the conditions for obtaining a COVID-certificate in early February.

The certificate can be obtained within three days from the date of filing an application for the presence of immunoglobulins G to the coronavirus pathogen in public services. The number of antibodies will not be taken into account, the very fact of their presence is important.

Such a QR code will be valid for six months from the date of receipt of the antibody test. The re-issuance of a COVID-certificate based on such a study is not provided, RBC was told in the Ministry of Health.

The discussion of the issuance of QR codes to unofficially recovered coronavirus began in the government in November, sources told RBC. One of RBC’s interlocutors said that if the government decides to issue QR codes based on the level of antibodies, then not only those who have been ill without an official doctor’s diagnosis, but also those who have been vaccinated with foreign vaccines, will be able to apply for it.

It is fair to issue QR codes to all people with a sufficient level of antibodies that can protect against the virus, the director of the National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after N.F. Gamalei Academician Alexander Gintsburg. How they got to that level, he says, is “a private matter.” According to Gunzburg, the level of 300 Bau antibodies completely protects against the delta strain of coronavirus.

The World Health Organization does not make estimates about the level of antibodies needed to fully protect against COVID-19, saying that research on this topic continue.

In Russia, each region independently sets the requirements for the presentation of QR codes. In Moscow QR code needed when visiting theaters and museums, as well as when attending concerts with more than 500 spectators. Certificate in St. Petersburg needed when visiting retail stores (except for pharmacies and grocery stores), restaurants (an exception is made for establishments at railway stations and airports), fitness centers, swimming pools, cinemas, as well as exhibitions and sporting events with more than 40 people.

In a number of regions, for example, in Karachay-Cherkessia, the Stavropol Territory and the Tyumen Region, authorities partially abolish the requirements for the presentation of QR codes and there you can freely visit a shopping center, cinema or cafe. At the same time, for example, in Tatarstan, the COVID-certificate needed even on public transport.

In November 2021, a law on the introduction of QR codes at the federal level was submitted to the State Duma. Its first version provided for, among other things, the use of certificates when visiting cultural organizations, as well as catering and retail outlets. In January, it was decided to postpone consideration of the bill in the second reading.