According to the National Authority for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (NAIH), a necessary and proportionate measure would be for operators of spas, swimming pools and wellness facilities to require proof of protection against the coronavirus as a condition for entry.
The NAIH stated that the coronavirus epidemic has caused the death of more than five million people worldwide, and it is also known that the omicron variant that causes Covid-19, which is more dangerous than before, is spreading rapidly.
As written, according to the authority's point of view, in the case of spas, where other established methods of protection that do not involve personal data management, such as frequent ventilation or the requirement to wear a mask while bathing, are impractical. At the same time, the regulations regarding social distancing can only be enforced to a limited extent - also in view of the spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus -, currently an appropriate and acceptable, as well as necessary and proportionate measure may be for the spa operator to require proof of the fact that the spa guest is protected against the coronavirus as a condition for entry.
The authority emphasized that, based on its position expressed above, in order to enforce the principles of data protection, the operator of the spa can only request the presentation of the protection card, EU protection card or application, but the personal data obtained in this way cannot be legally recorded or collected.
Source: MTI/MH
Featured image: MH/Róbert Hegedüs
