‘Disturbing’ new tactic by anti-maskers
People determined not to wear masks or check in are finding new ways to circumnavigate the rules, even if it means putting others at risk.
Anti-maskers have been accused of mocking up fake mask exemption stickers in what has been described as a “disturbing” tactic to avoid following Covid-19 regulations.
It comes as reports have also emerged of an app which enables people to create bogus QR code check in pages to give the false impression they have recorded their entry into a premises.
These are some of the latest moves by covid conspiracy theorists to try and wriggle out of abiding by health orders.
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has called out rule breakers in her state who are said to have created fraudulent mask exemption badges.
Current regulations in south east Queensland and Cairns mandate masks when indoors unless exercising with your household or one other person.
But the badges and lanyards give the false impression the person doesn’t have to wear a mask when entering a premises due to a medical condition.
“People shouldn’t be finding ways to work around the rules,” Ms D’Ath told Channel 9.
“If you don’t have a mask on, you are risking yourself getting the virus; it is not worth trying to come up with a fake excuse not to wear a mask.”
She added the uncovering of the badges was “disturbing”.
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Bogus QR code check-in app
Meanwhile, an app is being promoted online that allows users to create a fake QR code check in page.
The Guardian has reported that websites popular with conspiracy theorists are sharing a link to the app.
Users put in their name and the location, such as a supermarket, and it creates a check in screen that is near identical to the real thing and allows them to try and fob off staff.
Crucially, of course, the details of the person won’t be registered at the premises so if it did become a venue of concern they wouldn’t be notified nor would contact tracers be able to work with them.
The app can mock-up check in pages for NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
“This simple workaround creates what looks like a covid QR tick of approval, but it doesn’t send your private information to the government,” one website spruiking the app stated.
Users are advised to not let staff examine the check in page too closely in case they find any discrepancies with the information displayed.
The Guardian said it appeared the fake check in app was hosted by a web address based in Russia.
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