Victoria’s Covid QR system a work in progress

More than a year after hundreds died, Victoria is yet to fully implement its QR system.

The Victorian government is still scrambling to create a uniform QR system to help prevent another coronavirus wave by stripping the system of inefficient recording techniques such as pen and paper contact tracing.

More than a year after the second wave killed hundreds of people, businesses must tomorrow meet another deadline for either signing up to the government’s own QR system or using an authorised service that is compatible with government contact tracing requirements.

Dozens of companies are still waiting to see if their systems will be accepted by the government, weeks after the first deadline was set for joining the scheme.

Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crosier said the Victorian QR system was “shambolic” and in dire need of repair.

The government said a record 503,721 people checked in using its QR code Service last Saturday, and total check-ins have surpassed 20 million since the launch of the service on November 30 last year.

But extensive anecdotal evidence suggests that pen and paper systems are still being widely used in Melbourne, and 24 companies who provide QR digital services are still waiting to see whether they are compatible with the government system.

The government says it has seven external QT system providers but 24 others are still being checked.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra said that from tomorrow most businesses would be required to use the free state system, or use a digital system that is compatible and able to “speak” to the government’s contact tracing system through a programming database.

“The free government service provides a good customer experience because it remembers your information and is quick and easy to use,” he said. “While the government service did originally trail those that were commercially available, and busi-nesses had to source their own services and providers, the free government service is now in a position where every business can use it with confidence.

“Every business has an obligation to make it as convenient and accessible as possible to check in, and it’s best practice to require customers to show the check-in tick before permitting entry. It’s not just up to the business owner and staff, every Victorian should be doing the right thing and checking in.

Victoria has adopted a QR system that is run on two levels: the free government-run system through Service Victoria: and via private provider QR code systems. Almost 6000 new location sites were registered with the QR code service by April 23.

 A special programming interface has been set up to allow contact tracers to access check-in data from the authorised private systems.

A government spokeswoman said the QR code Service “ allows businesses and venues to securely share check-in data with our Department of Health contact tracing team in the event of a positive case”.

 “We will continue to work with businesses to make sure COVIDSafe plans are in place and being adhered to, and that businesses are using the government’s free QR code system or other connected QR systems to check in and support these businesses and workplaces to stay safe, stay open,” she said.