The confirmation comes following a “misunderstanding” regarding the rollout of the certificates.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has said GPs have no role in the issuing of Digital Covid Certificates (DCC).
The confirmation came after Tourism Minister Catherine Martin told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland on Tuesday that people who have recovered from the virus could apply to their GP for a recovery certificate.
However, in a notice to GPs, the IMO stated: “We wish to advise that GPs have NO role in the issuing of documentation to patients in respect of the Digital Covid Certificate.
“Any letter or email from GPs will NOT be valid as a Digital Covid Certificate.”
Minister of State Ossian Smyth also later clarified there had been a “misunderstanding” and GPs will not play a part in issuing certificates.
The IMO notice highlighted information from government stating that a helpline is being established in regards to recovery certificates.
It said: “A certificate of recovery will be available from 11 days after a positive test, and will be valid for no more than 180 days. You will be able to request this DCC via a helpline. Helpline details will be published shortly.”
A spokesperson from the IMO told JOE that vaccination certificates for those vaccinated in GP centres are being handled by the HSE.
If the HSE has a valid email address for you from the vaccination process, you will get your DCC by email. Otherwise, you will receive the certificate via post. These DCCs will be emailed or posted in the coming days.
There are four types of DCC: a certificate based on vaccination, a certificate based on recovery, a certificate based on a negative RT-PCR test and a certificate based on a negative antigen test.
For more information about the Digital Covid Certificates, check out JOE’s handy guide here.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
