[CNT] The COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll out slowly but surely, with President Joe Biden estimating that all adults in the U.S. will have access to a dose by the end of May.But as we continue the long march toward herd immunity, or the tipping point when enough people are inoculated to halt community spread of the virus, there is a growing question about whether proof of vaccination will soon be required to get back to daily activities like eating in restaurants, flying on planes, or traveling abroad.
The travel industry—and airlines especially—are lobbying for a standardization of health forms like vaccine status and COVID-19 test results.
"It is crucial to establish uniform guidance," more than two dozen airline trade organizations, labor unions, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce wrote in a letter to the White House on Monday, according to the AP. The groups stated that "the U.S. must be a leader in this development."
Many airlines have already attempted to standardize test results among their own passengers, turning to technology by partnering with apps like Common Pass, VeriFly, or Travel Pass from the International Air Transportation Association. These types of apps can also be adapted to show vaccine status as well, and several airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Atlantic have voiced support for requiring all passengers to be vaccinated in order to board their planes.
Earlier this month, President Biden asked federal agencies to explore options for so-called vaccine passports. But it's not yet clear if or when the documents will become a requirement for travel.
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