QR codes to become mandatory in businesses, workplaces


30th June 2021
You might have heard stories in the news about places such as Aldi supermarkets which have been slow to provide QR code check-ins. My office has received a load of
You might have heard stories in the news about places such as Aldi supermarkets which have been slow to provide QR code check-ins. My office has received a load of complaints about the same thing.
The government has today announced that from Monday July 12, using a Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at ALL workplaces and retail businesses. More info in the graphic below.
For those who don't have access to a digital device, stores and workplaces must offer a manual sign-in form.
For those concerned about privacy, the data can only be accessed or used by NSW Health contract tracers and is deleted after 28 days.
I think it's a good move as we know, and have seen, how important contact tracing is with Covid 19.
If your business needs to register a QR code, all the info you need is here.
Here's the full statement issued by the Minister today:
COVID CHECK-IN MANDATE EXPANDED
Use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday 12 July.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said expanding the mandate would give NSW Health contact tracers real-time access to QR code data from a greater number of venues including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.
“This is about keeping customers and staff safe and getting all businesses open again as soon as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
“We know the Delta variant of COVID-19 moves quickly and we must do everything we can to get it under control.
“While many retail businesses, including large supermarkets and hardware chains, have voluntarily adopted the Service NSW QR code, this measure will ensure check-in rates are high across the board and contact tracers have access to reliable records.”
From 12 July, these businesses will need to display the Service NSW QR code and take reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using the Service NSW QR codes or digital sign-in sheet:
• Retail businesses and supermarkets
• Individual shops within shopping centres
• Shopping centres will also be asked to display QR codes at entry points where practicable
• Gyms
• Offices, including call centres
• Manufacturing and warehousing
• Universities and TAFE
• Schools including teachers and visitors (such as parents and contractors) but excluding students.
Businesses such as hospitality and hairdressers that were already using the Service NSW QR code will also need to ensure staff and visitors such as maintenance workers and delivery drivers check-in, when they resume services after the lockdown period.
Hospitality businesses will now need to extend the use of the Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in to all customers including takeaway orders.
Businesses that fail to comply with the new health order requirements may be subject to fines and in case of flagrant breaches, temporary closure orders.
“There is no excuse not to check-in everywhere you can – businesses and customers all have a part to play to keep NSW safe,” Mr Dominello said.
“In the same way customers routinely check into cafes, restaurants and bars, we need them to adopt the same approach when visiting a supermarket, retail store and workplace.
“Inspectors have been asked to monitor the situation alongside the NSW Police.”
The Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in is easy for customers to use from within the Service NSW app.
There are more than 5.2 million active users of the Service NSW app.
The data captured by the Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in is only used for the purposes of contact tracing by NSW Health. It is deleted after 28 days.
Businesses who need to register for the NSW Government QR code can find the application form and more information here.
For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available.

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