As you start to get out and about in the community again, you will notice that a wide range of public venues, including pubs, cafes and restaurants, will now ask you to “sign in” by providing your name and contact details. This forms part of the COVIDSafe plan that every Victorian business must have to operate safely and is mandatory from today. In this article, we’ll try to clear up any confusion you might have around this process.
Why do I need to provide my personal information?
- Having a record of who has visited a venue at a specific time is an important part of contact tracing.
- When someone tests positive for COVID-19, the Victorian Government will gather information about any public venues they may have visited while they were infectious with the virus.
- Providing your name and contact details when you sign into a venue makes it possible for the government to:
A) Know whether you might have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19.
B) Contact you if they think you might have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus.
How will venues collect my personal information?
- Some venues are still using pen and paper, but most are now using electronic QR codes to assist with the check-in process.
What is a QR code and how does it work?
- The letters “QR” stand for “quick response”.
- A QR code is just like a barcode, but it contains information that can be read using the camera on a smart phone or tablet.
- If a venue is using a QR code system, scanning the code using your smart phone or tablet will take you to an electronic form where you can enter your personal information.
How do I scan a QR code using my smart phone or tablet?
- In most cases, it’s as simple as opening the camera app on your device and pointing it at the QR code.
- For instructions on how to scan a QR code using an Apple device, click here.
- For instructions on how to scan a QR code using an Android device, click here.
What if I don’t own a smart phone or tablet?
- COTA Victoria is aware that there are many older people who will not own a smart phone or tablet so will not be able to use QR codes. Most businesses are already mindful of this fact and are providing assistance to help people sign in. Staff at venues can use their device to sign in someone without a smartphone.
- If you feel anxious about visiting a venue because you don’t have a smart phone or tablet, you might like to phone them ahead of time to let them know that you will need assistance. This way you’ll have a better idea of what to expect when you arrive.
- If you are visiting a venue with a friend or family member who can scan the QR code, there is also the option for them to add you as a dependent when they check in.
- We will continue to work with government and industry to raise awareness of the need for businesses to ensure there is help available to those who need it.
If you are ever refused access to a venue because you can’t sign in using a QR code, please contact us and let us know. However, we stress that this is a very unlikely outcome, and encourage you to start getting back out into your community and supporting your local businesses. This is new to all of us so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.
Businesses are strongly encouraged to use QR codes, however businesses may use manual processes such as pen and paper. QR code record keeping is only mandatory for smaller Victorian hospitality venues with a density limit of one person per two square metres.
