COVID-safe QR code check-ins start Tuesday in SA. Here’s what we know

Restrictions are easing from Tuesday across SA, but many businesses will have to display the new QR code check-in. Here’s how.

The South Australian Government’s COVID-safe QR code system comes into effect today.

Businesses who want to trade without caps on patron numbers will be required to implement and use the system from today. If you run a business, or if you’re a customer, here’s everything you need to know about the QR code system.

WHAT IS A QR CODE?
It’s a barcode capable of storing information that’s readable by smartphone cameras and special QR code reader apps, of which there are many available in Apple and Android stores. Any type of information can be stored in the codes, including a person’s name, phone number and address, web addresses, photos, games and videos.

WHAT IS A COVID-SAFE CHECK IN?

COVID SAfe Check-In is a new feature that has been added to the free mySA GOV app. If someone in South Australia tests positive to COVID-19, the COVID SAfe Check-In enables SA Health to quickly contact others who may have been exposed to the virus and stop the spread of COVID-19.

HOW DOES THE CHECK-IN PROCESS WORK?

You can download the mySA GOV app using your smart phone. In the mySA 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 QRcode and check in. You are not required to login to use the COVID SAfe Check-In feature.

HOW DO I GET THE mySAGOV APP?
Download the app from Apple App Store or Google Play.

If you do not have a compatible smart phone, a paper record will be available for you to provide your details. When you first enter the COVID SAfe Check-In tile, you will be asked to fill in your details and mobile number. You will then get a text message with a unique code to enter in to the app. This is to verify your phone number. You will only have to do this once.

WHAT ID DO I NEED TO SHOW TO GET A mySA GOV ACCOUNT?
You will not be required to sign up for a mySA 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.I already have the mySA GOV app, and I can’t see the COVID SAfe Check-In feature.

You will need to update the app to access the new feature.

WHO NEEDS A QR CODE?
Any business or venue that is required to keep contact tracing records. “A rule of thumb is those who come into contact with people in the public,” Premier Steven Marshall said. Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the system would be mandatory for any business required to keep contact tracing records and would be in place while the Emergency Management Act was in force. When that was revoked, the obligation would cease, he said.

The State Government’s activities and gatherings site lists:

■ On-site purchase and consumption of food or beverages ( indoor or outdoor area)

sport (including sports training), fitness or recreation activities

■ indoor public meetings

■ ceremonies

■ private functions

■ weddings (including wedding ceremonies and receptions)

■ funeral services (excluding wakes)

■ provision of personal care services

■ provision of public entertainment

■ provision of recreational transport

■ the operation of a nightclub

■ the operation of relevant licensed premises

■ the operation of a casino or gaming area (within the meaning of the Gaming Machines Act 1992)

■ auctions and inspections of premises for the purpose of sale or rental of any property

■ driver instruction

■ the provision of health care, residential care, disability support or aged care services.

IF I RUN A BUSINESS, HOW DO I OPT IN?
All businesses with a COVID-safe plan will need a QR code displayed.

Businesses will be emailed an updated plan including their QR code.

This should be printed and displayed prominently in your business.

If you need to use a paper record-keeping system, for example to cater to customers who don’t have a smartphone, you can download the template here:

WHAT DATA WILL BE COLLECTED?
Your name, phone number and date and time of visit are collected.

WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT WANT THIS DATA?
The data will be collected by SA Health to allow contact tracers 24-7 access in case of an outbreak to see who else was at a venue and ask them to quarantine.

SA chief health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said the QR code check-in would allow contact tracers faster access to vital information to help them find possible close contacts of positive cases.

“What it means is, if we do have another case, they can immediately, 24-7, go straight to that database instead of waiting until the next day to get hold of a business and get those details,” she said.

“It will really speed things up. When we get a positive test back, we can get all the close contacts in quarantine so they’re not passing the disease on further.”

FOR SHOPPERS/CUSTOMERS
If you want to visit a shop, you’ll need to check-in, so that a record of your visit can be recorded in case SA Health’s contact tracers need to quickly get in touch with you in the event of a positive COVID-19 case or outbreak.

State COVID conveyor and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt.

HOW DO I CHECK IN?
There are two main ways to check in.

1. Download and sign up for the mySAGov app.

You generally need a driver’s licence to sign up to the app but the app should give you options to sign up without one. When you arrive at a business or venue, open the mySAGov app and use the built-in QR code reader to scan the QR code on display at the business.

2. Use the camera on your smartphone. This should trigger a secure web form to pop up on your screen, letting you check in.

People with an iPhone may have to check in this way, initially, as Apple are still doing their final checks.

“I know that it’s already available on Google Play and I know that Apple will be ready to roll this out later today (Tuesday, December 1), they’re doing their final checks on this,” Mr Marshall said.

You will receive a text message once you’ve successfully checked in. You may need to show the text message as proof of your check-in at some locations.

DO I NEED TO ENTER MY CONTACT DETAILS EVERY TIME I CHECK-IN?
No. You will enter your details into the app once the first time you use the COVID SAfe Check-In. You will not be required to enter them each time you check in.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A SMARTPHONE?
If you don’t have a smartphone, you can record your information via a paper record at the business or venue where you want to check in. Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said identification scanners could instead be used to take a photograph of a person’s driver’s licence, business card or anything else that contained a patron’s contact information.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY DATA?
The data will be available only to SA Health for official contact tracing and be kept for 28 days for each place you visit. It will be stored securely in a government secured and encrypted database. If your data is used for contact tracing, the information will only be retained for as long as necessary for those purposes, and no longer than the COVID-19 pandemic remains. SA Police will not be able to access it, nor details of the business where it was scanned.

WHAT IF I REFUSE TO HAND OVER MY DETAILS?
Under the Public Activities Direction, a person attending a defined public activity must use their best endeavours to ensure their relevant contact details are captured by the COVID SAfe Check-In. If you choose not to provide your details, you may be refused entry.

HOW WILL COMPLIANCE BE CHECKED?
On the mySA Gov app there is a summary screen which shows the last successful check in and people may be asked to show this.

WILL THERE BE PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE?
SA Police will ensure that businesses and the community are educated on this new system in the first instance. Blatant breaches may result in a fine.

CAN INTERSTATE TRAVELLERS USE THE mySAGOV APP?
Yes, the free mySA GOV app can be downloaded and used by anyone.

WHAT IF THERE IS NO INTERNET CONNECTION AT THE PLACE WHERE I WANT TO CHECK IN? OR I HAVE ISSUES WITH THE APP?
A paper recording log template will be available as a back-up for people who don’t have a smart phone.

I’M A PARENT/GUARDIAN - DO MY KIDS NEED TO CHECK IN?
Children who are with their parents / carer are not required to check in.

How can I access technical support? If you’re experiencing issues with the mySA GOV app, or require further information, contact Service SA on 1300 450 422 (Monday to Friday) during business hours.