COVID-19 secure certificates for vaccines and tests
Joint press release of ELCA and SICPA
In its press release of April 22, 2021, the FOPH proposes two approaches that should result in an operational Swiss solution by the end of May, 2021. On the one hand, a solution from the FOITT, and on the other, a joint solution proposed by ELCA and SICPA.
ELCA and SICPA are pleased to take up this challenge in full collaboration with the FOPH and the FOITT in order to allow citizens to return to normal life quickly and safely.
ELCA’s and SICPA's solution is based on the expertise of two Swiss companies whose technologies are already used to secure many moments in the daily life of citizens in Switzerland and throughout the world.
This 100% Swiss solution (but perfectly interoperable with the solutions that will be deployed by other countries) will allow the competent authorities to generate a forgery-proof QR code, a unique technology developed by SICPA. This QR code can be stored on a cell phone or simply printed – with an identical level of security – and then verified by a simple smartphone. This will greatly facilitate its adoption by everyone in Switzerland, but also, for example, its recognition at border crossings. ELCA's solutions, in particular HealthnGo, enable the use of this QR code by many stakeholders, in particular certified healthcare providers, competent entities in terms of verification and of course the Swiss citizen.
The solution is simple from the user's point of view, but it strictly respects all the criteria required by the authorities to protect the privacy of citizens. It complies with Article 6a of the COVID law, protects data and presents only the bare minimum necessary during verification, which will not be based on any centralized database. The certificate is secured, thanks to the blockchain, to prevent any unauthorized manipulation or fraud. This unprecedented level of security, integrity and confidentiality has already facilitated the project's acceptance by the main healthcare players in Switzerland and will enable its rapid deployment. The solution also ensures the strict identification of healthcare providers who are required to certify a medical act, such as vaccination or test result attestation, via ELCA's trustID, a solution certified by the Swiss Confederation for use in the context of the Electronic Patient Record.
For Mr. Philippe Amon, President and CEO of SICPA, "Helping Switzerland and its citizens in the context of the current health crisis is a priority. The state-of-the-art solution that we will provide to the authorities with our partner ELCA is a source of pride for all our teams."
For Mr. Cédric Moret, CEO of ELCA, "The combination of ELCA and SICPA technologies should allow us to quickly put in place a safe and practical solution for all Swiss citizens. We are honored to be able to contribute to a quick resolution of this crisis.
The reliability and flexibility of the ELCA and SICPA solution, in synergy with the skills of the FOITT, will enable citizens to travel again, visit their loved ones and resume their leisure activities. In short, this solution will allow them to return to normal life while preserving trust, a central value for both SICPA and ELCA.
About ELCA
Offering a complete range of business and technology solutions including healthcare, ELCA is one of the largest independent service providers in Switzerland and a leading company in the fields of IT consulting, software development and maintenance, and IT systems integration. ELCA's solutions reduce complexity and accelerate innovation cycles, increase business results and customer satisfaction. The privately held company, with more than 1,400 experts, has branches in Lausanne, Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Paris, Madrid, Basel, Grenada, Ho Chi Minh City and Mauritius (outsourced development), all operating according to common processes.
About SICPA
Founded in Switzerland in 1927, SICPA is a world leader in secure authentication, identification and traceability solutions and services. At the forefront of research and innovation and operating on five continents, its high-tech security inks protect, among other things, most of the world's banknotes and identity documents as well as many other valuable documents. SICPA also integrates physical security elements with digital technology to provide governments and businesses with solutions to protect and authenticate regulated products, ensure traceability, enable tax reconciliation and enforce regulations. SICPA also continues to innovate in the digital domain, working with its own R&D departments and external partners to provide solutions for e-government services.
ELCA Media Contact
stephane.clerc (at) elca.ch