The NSW government will ramp up the use of QR code registration in the state when it emerges from lockdown, making sign ins on the Service NSW app and site mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday, July 12.
Hospitality businesses which, along with entertainment venues, are already required to have compulsory check-ins on the Service NSW COVID-Safe site, will need to up registrations to include any customers getting a takeaway.
The city of Sydney and surrounding regions are currently in a two-week-long lockdown until Friday, July 9.
The change to the QR check-in rules comes as the state recorded 22 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, all linked to existing cases. All up, 128 cases are currently being treated.
NSW recorded 22 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, all of which are linked to previously confirmed cases. pic.twitter.com/q1N2eEtTiz
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) June 30, 2021
NSW current has more than 5.2 million active users of the QR codes.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said expanding the mandate would give NSW Health contact tracers real-time access to QR code data from a greater number of venues including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.
“This is about keeping customers and staff safe and getting all businesses open again as soon as possible,” he said.
“We know the Delta variant of COVID-19 moves quickly and we must do everything we can to get it under control.”
Business embraces voluntarily use
Dominello said while many retail businesses, including large supermarkets and hardware chains, have voluntarily adopted the Service NSW QR code, the mandatory measure will ensure check-in rates are high across the board and contact tracers have access to reliable records.
From 12 July, the following businesses will need to display the Service NSW QR code and take reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using the Service NSW QR codes or digital sign-in sheet:
- Retail businesses and supermarkets
- Individual shops within shopping centres
- Shopping centres will also be asked to display QR codes at entry points where practicable
- Gyms
- Offices, including call centres
- Manufacturing and warehousing
- Universities and TAFE
- Schools including teachers and visitors (such as parents and contractors) but excluding students.
Following the recent spate of local transmissions via delivery drivers, businesses such as hospitality venues will also need to ensure staff and visitors such as maintenance workers and delivery services check-in when they resume business after the lockdown period.
Fines for not signing in
Dominello said businesses that fail to comply with the new QR code requirements may be subject to fines and in the case of flagrant breaches, temporary closure orders.
“There is no excuse not to check-in everywhere you can – businesses and customers all have a part to play to keep NSW safe,” he said.
“In the same way customers routinely check into cafes, restaurants and bars, we need them to adopt the same approach when visiting a supermarket, retail store and workplace.
“Inspectors have been asked to monitor the situation alongside the NSW Police.”
Businesses who need to register for the NSW Government QR code can find the application form and more information at nsw.gov.au/register-your-business-as-covid-safe
For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available.
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