NEWS DESK

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against issuing ‘immunity passports’ or ‘risk-free certificates’ to COVID-19 patients.

It said that there was currently ‘no evidence’ that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second coronavirus infection, reports Reuters.

In a statement, the United Nations agency said on Saturday that such practice may actually increase the risk of spread as they may ignore standard advice.

Chile said last week it would begin handing out "health passports" to people deemed to have recovered from the illness.

Once screened to determine if they have developed antibodies to make them immune to the virus, they could immediately rejoin the workforce.