COVID-19: Chile to give out immunity cards to recovered people

Chile is set to become the first country to issue “immunity cards” to those who have recovered from the coronavirus

It will allow holders to return to work, despite questions about whether those who have recovered are in fact immune, how long any immunity might last, and the accuracy of antibody tests, according to foreign media.

Anyone can apply for the cards, which will be issued from Monday. To qualify, Chileans have to take a test that shows they have antibodies for the novel coronavirus. Those who have had the disease must be free of symptoms for at least 14 days or 28 if they have a compromised immune system.

But critics have questioned the notion that recovered patients are not contagious and resistant to re-infection, and raised doubts about the tests’ accuracy.

The health minister, Jaime Mañalich, has reiterated that “the worst is yet to come,” with the number of cases expected to peak in May.

Chile has confirmed over 10,000 cases so far, including 133 deaths.