New Check In Qld app makes COVID-Safe simpler in Queensland

This Toowoomba business said they are all for the new COVID tracing app, here’s everything you need to know about ‘Check In Qld’

PHAT’S A GOOD IDEA: Alan Wynn from Phatburger is all for the new free Queensland Government COVID tracking app and hopes that more businesses take advantage of 'Check In Qld'.

One of Toowoomba’s most iconic fast and friendly food joints, Phatburger said they were eager to embrace the new, free, Queensland Government check-in app which makes it much easier for hospitality businesses and their customers to stay COVID safe.

The ‘Check In Qld’ app officially rolled out statewide on Monday, March 1 and is designed to make it easier to contact trace as the data entered into each customer’s app will be stored securely by the Queensland Government when they check in and will help to ensure it is readily available to contact tracers if required.

“We’ve previously been using GuestTrack, which is one of the free QR code reader systems and have been finding it works quite well but we are more than happy to make the switch over to the Check In Qld app provided by the Queensland Government,” Phatburger owner Alan Wynn said.

“At the end of the day it’s not about me and my business, it’s about Queensland Health workers who have to do the contact tracing and play Detective when something does go wrong so we will do whatever makes their lives easier and safer and means we can all get back to normal as soon as possible.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Check In Qld app has been extensively trialled across the state over the last few weeks and has received a positive response from users.

“It simplifies compliance with Public Health Directions for all hospitality venues, with patrons and customers able to self-check-in and have their information stored securely,” she said.

“Once people have used the Check In Qld app at one business, it remembers your details, saving you time in the future and providing easy ongoing, check-in across all participating venues … The more businesses sign up, the better it will be for all of us.

“Importantly, the app removes some of the everyday burdens of COVID-19 restrictions for licenced venues, cafes. and their customers.”

The new Check In Qld app is free, contactless, secure and convenient and I know it will be embraced by venues and people right across the state.

Testing and trials of the new app began in January at selected venues from Cairns to Ipswich with venue operators giving it an enthusiastic thumbs up.

For customers, it’s as simple as downloading the app from Google Play or Apple App Stores and entering their details once.

At participating venues, customers can then ‘Check in Now’ by opening the app and using venue’s Check In Qld QR code.

“Customers can add the names of the other people in their party, show venue staff their successful check-in screen, and then enjoy their time out knowing they have helped keep Queenslanders safe,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

More than 204 businesses in the trial have registered and are using the new app with more than 29,000 customers using the app to check in at these venues.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the app had been endorsed by Queensland Health and would play a critical role in the state’s contact tracing efforts.

“The new Check In Qld app will help Queensland Health’s hardworking contact tracing team to quickly identify and assist anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19

“Acceptance of the app will strengthen our efforts to unite and recover from COVID-19 by ensuring contact tracing can be quickly carried out in a time-critical situation.

“People can have confidence, knowing check in details will be stored securely by the Queensland Government for 30 to 56 days and will only be used if required for contact tracing purposes.

“Businesses outside the hospitality sector can also take up the app on a voluntary basis,” Ms D’Ath said.

Minister for Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the Check In Qld app based on the Australian Capital Territory model has proved safe and reliable having undergone extensive and rigorous testing before todays approved rollout.

“From Cairns to Ipswich, I thank the many businesses and venues which enthusiastically participated in testing, to help deliver a safe and reliable app for Queensland.

“Businesses and venues statewide are now strongly encouraged to register to use the app online.

“Once registered, they will also be provided a business starter kit, which includes display posters with a unique QR code.”

By using the Check In Qld app, businesses will not need to manually collect or manage the information.

The data entered into each customer’s app will be stored securely by the Queensland Government when they check in and will help to ensure it is readily available to contact tracers if required.

It is not mandatory to use the Check In Qld app however all hospitality businesses must continue to collect and store contact details electronically.

Other electronic methods include online fillable forms, membership card scanners, online booking systems and a digital spreadsheet.