According to Russia Today Monday, the Russian region the Republic of Bashkortostan is planning to introduce ‘anti-COVID passports’ for residents who have been vaccinated in attempts to transition into “post-COVID normality”.

Located close to Kazakhstani borders, the Head of the Republic Radiy Khabirov said the documents will also be given to those who have recovered from COVID-19 and will be used to allow entry into sporting and cultural events, as well as religious ceremonies.

He explained that those who have “been ill and now have antibodies, and those who have been vaccinated” will receive this passport, adding that this is an incentive for people to get vaccinated. If this passport is obtained, individuals will receive several discounts from local companies, including sports clubs and retail chains.

“The presence of antibodies will be registered in the Ministry of Health’s system, then it will be automatically forwarded to the portal of public services,” said Khabirov's Chief of Staff Alexander Sidyakin. “[The passport] can be stored on a smartphone or printed from the website,” he said.

The ‘passport’ will be issued through the Republic’s local government online portal.

Last week, Valery Limarenko, the acting governor of Russia’s Sakhalin Region announced that those who have been incoluated will be exempt from wearing face masks and will be given a badge indicating their mask-free status.