Due to the potential for spontaneous widespread community transmission of COVID-19, it has become mandatory in all states for venues to track people entering a premises by recording their name and contact details. A common method for obtaining this information is the use of what are known as QR codes. QR codes operate like barcodes, with information that can be read by a smartphone camera. Some phones may require a free QR code reader app, which are available from the Android or Apple stores.
Some businesses are already using QR codes to collect customer details as they are convenient for businesses and customers. They provide a hygienic, contactless way of signing into a venue.
For people who are blind or vision impaired, using QR codes or other electronic systems to enter a venue can be particularly challenging, as these may be reliant on a person using a phone camera to scan a QR Code.
You then may be required to manually complete contact information via your smart phone.
If unable to use the camera there are accessible QR Code Apps that work with iOS and Android phones that make it easier to scan the QR Code.
An example of an app is VIP Code Reader which works on iOS and Android. Android users can find out more here, and iPhone users can find out more here.
Once the QR code has been scanned, you may be prompted to fill in details on a website or directed to another app to complete contact details.
Rules, procedures and apps for entering venues varies from state to state. These are outlined below.
BCA has not tested any of these apps for accessibility. If a person who is blind or vision impaired requires assistance to scan a QR code, or give their information using any other alternative method, it is a reasonable expectation that venue staff provide the requested assistance.
New South Wales
The following information has been sourced from: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe/customer-record-keeping/qr-codes
From Monday 23 November 2020, it is mandatory for certain types of businesses and events to use electronic check-in methods to collect patron and staff details.
Electronic recording of entry is not mandatory for persons entering premises to attend a significant event at a place of public worship (such as a wedding or funeral) or entering premises for a religious service.
Businesses may use the Service NSW App, which can be downloaded here.
Businesses using a QR code check-in system should have an alternative form of electronic check-in for patrons without smartphones.
Queensland
There is no single method required to collect contact information.
Methods used may include:
- A notebook at a counter
- A mobile app
- A QR Code scanner
For more information visit this page.
South Australia
A free COVID-19 Safe Check-in feature has been added to the My SA Gov app.
You can download the My SA Gov app using your smart phone. In the My SA Gov app, select the COVID Safe Check-in tile when you arrive at a venue or business, and follow the prompts to scan their unique QR code and check in.
You are not required to login or sign up for a My SA Gov account to use the COVID Safe Check-in. You also do not need to provide a driver’s licence or vehicle registration details to use it.
Download the Android app here, or from the Apple Store.
If you do not have a compatible smart phone, a paper record will be available for you to provide your details.
Tasmania
The new app system to assist recording of patrons contact details is now available for download. The Check in Tas app is available from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
The app helps protect the community by assisting with faster contact tracing. It enables individuals to check-in to venues and have this data stored securely with the Tasmanian Department of Health in the event contact tracing is needed due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community.
The new app is designed to assist venues meet the Public Health requirement to record contact details of individuals or one member of a group of patrons who spend more than 15 minutes on the premises.
Use of the Check in Tas app is free to venues and patrons. For further information visit the Department of Health website.
Australian Capital Territory
The Check In CBR app is a contactless, secure and convenient way for customers to sign into a Canberra venue.
The app helps protect the community by assisting with faster contact tracing. The app enables individuals to check-in to venues and have this data stored securely with ACT Health in the event contact tracing is needed due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community.
Use of the app will help the ACT Health contact tracing team quickly identify and assist anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency non-essential businesses and undertakings are required by law to ask for the first name and phone number of people who attend their venue. Use of this app enables businesses to comply with these laws.
Download the App from Google Play or Apple.
For further information and FAQs visit this page.
Victoria
Staff and patrons can use their phone camera to scan a bar code. Alternatively people can check-in using the Service Victoria app from the Google Play and Apple stores.
You can also sign in manually using pen and paper.
For more information about the Victorian QR Code service visit this page.
Western Australia
The requirement to register contacts for particular businesses is mandatory. However, provided they collect the necessary details, the business owner can decide the method best suited to their business operations and patrons.
The WA Government has developed a free app, Safe WA, which provides businesses with a method to keep a digital contact register system, endorsed by the Department of Health.
The use of the free Safe WA contact register app is encouraged, because it is easy to use, hygienic, protects patrons’ privacy and is efficient for contact tracing.
However, businesses must have an alternative (manual) method of registering patron details, such as a paper-based register. This will ensure access to their premises is inclusive and allows patrons that may not have access or choose not to use the Safe WA app to have an alternative registration method.
The Safe WA App can be downloaded from the Google Play and Apple stores.
For further information visit this page.