To reopen borders, global health could look to banking's Swift model

Finance transfers have to be safe, right? For Covid-19-free travel, using aspects of that system could be the answer.

All options for safe travel amid the Covid-19 pandemic must be underpinned by a truly global infrastructure with several fundamental features, says the writer. He suggests a “Covid-19-free and Healthy International Travel System”, or Chits, building on the existing Swift operating model and incorporating relevant non-Swift technologies. PHOTO: REUTERS

Until a Covid-19 vaccine is available, the world needs a health information system to restart free and safe international travel.

What might this Covid-19-free travel infrastructure look like, what lessons can we learn from the Swift financial messaging system, and how to and who should implement such a global health system?

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