International Blockchain-based app easing pandemic travel launched

A blockchain-based app aimed to make travel during the pandemic easier has been launched.

The app, called ICC AOKpass, allows users to verify their COVID-19 status instantly. Dorjee Sun, CEO of blockchain firm Perlin, said that ICC AOKpass “uses a common global standard that can be deployed and used anywhere in the world today. It can adapt to the rules of any given country and allows users to instantly verify their COVID-19 compliance status anytime, anywhere.”

ICC AOKpass was tested by a couple of companies, including Singapore-based firm Energy Drilling and International SOS. The firms had selected crew members on their way to an oil drilling platform take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID with the medical results saved on the app. The results were then sent to the client and helped facilitate entry through the Thailand airport.

Juliana Gim, managing director of International SOS Singapore, said that the successful experience of ICC AOKpass explains to everyone how to resume travel in light of the Coronavirus pandemic safely.

“The successful pilot of ICC AOKpass with Energy Drilling is encouraging as it marks an important step in our journey and the aim of implementing a trusted and standardised global system to facilitate the return to work across many industries. In time, we hope that this will see widespread adoption to facilitate a fast, safe and secure return to work.”

The pandemic has inspired blockchain firms to look at how they can help ease travel restrictions set out by authorities.