Coronavirus: Victoria introduces QR code check-in, months after NSW, ACT
The check-in system, for businesses and venues, was introduced more than two months ago in NSW and the ACT.
The Andrews government has finally introduced an official COVID-safe QR Code check-in system, more than two months after NSW and the ACT.
When Victorian shops reopened in October following a three-and-a-half month lockdown, Premier Daniel Andrews was unable to name a date for the introduction of a QR code system, citing the issue of compatibility with the existing IT platform for coronavirus contact tracing.
NSW and the ACT established systems in September, allowing users to scan their contact details using a smartphone app as they visit shops, restaurants and gyms.
Thousands of businesses in Victoria have introduced their own QR Code system, but no centralised government system has existed until now.
Announcing the move in a press release on Monday, Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson said the service could be used by businesses and venues “to keep records of visitors to help us stay safe and stay open”.
“It’s as simple as registering your business, downloading and printing a poster with the Victorian Government QR Code and displaying it prominently in your business,” Mr Pearson said.
“Businesses or venues with multiple outlets or spaces can register for multiple QR codes.
“Visitors simply need to scan the QR code using their smartphone camera.
“For those with up-to-date smartphone software, a pop-up will appear asking for a first name and contact number.
“For other users, they will be directed to download the Service Victoria mobile App from the Apple or Google Play app stores to complete the check-in. A unique six-letter code entered on a web site will be on each QR code poster, for visitors to check-in also.”
QR code record keeping is now mandatory for smaller Victorian hospitality venues with a density limit of one person per two square metres (and up to 50 customers).
“All businesses and venues are still required to have pen and paper record keeping on hand as an ultimate backup, if a visitor prefers to not use the QR code method,” Mr Pearson said.
“All data collected through the Victorian government QR code is securely stored, protecting customers from on-selling of contact details. Data will be deleted after 28 days unless it is specifically requested by the Department of Health and Human Services for contact tracing purposes.
“For businesses or venues that are currently using an existing market-led QR code solution, the government is working with the sector to develop an Application Programming Interface to allow these systems to link directly into DHHS contact tracing systems when check-in data is required.”
Victorian businesses and venues can now go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au/qrcode to register and be sent their unique QR code to display for visitors to scan and check-in.
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