Attention Australian businesses and organizations: QR codes are not just a suggestion, but a mandatory requirement by the NSW government for implementing check-in procedures. Simply put, a company or organization must display an official QR code at their location, and customers, contractors, or employees can conveniently check themselves in by scanning the code using the Service NSW app.
In this age of COVID-19, contactless tracking and tracing of individuals has become a top priority. Fortunately, the use of QR codes provides a simple, fast, and secure way to achieve this goal. So make QR codes a part of your daily life to ensure the safety of your customers, employees, and business operations.
Understanding the NSW Government’s mandatory check-in procedure
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New South Wales (NSW) Government has implemented a mandatory check-in procedure in certain settings. This procedure requires businesses and organizations to collect contact details of individuals who enter their premises to enable contact tracing, should there be a COVID-19 outbreak. The NSW Government QR code is a digital tool that facilitates the capture of this information. Displaying the QR code allows employees, customers, contractors, and visitors to check-in to the premises using the Service NSW app on their mobile device.
What is a QR code and how is it used for check-in purposes?
A QR code is a type of two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone or camera-equipped device to retrieve information stored in the code. In the context of the NSW Government’s mandatory check-in procedure, the QR code is used to capture contact details of individuals who enter a premises. When an individual scans the QR code using the Service NSW app, they are prompted to enter their name and contact details. This information is securely stored by the NSW Government for a period of 28 days and is solely for the purpose of COVID-19 contact tracing.
Who needs to display a NSW Government QR code at their location?
The NSW Government QR code is mandatory for certain businesses and organizations where individuals are likely to come into close contact for an extended period. Such premises include:
- Pubs, clubs, and bars
- Restaurants, cafes, and food courts
- Gyms, indoor recreation facilities, and sporting facilities
- Places of worship
- Hairdressing salons, barbershops, and beauty salons
If your business or organization falls under any of these categories, you are required to display the NSW Government QR code at your location to enable individuals to check-in.
Penalties for failure to comply with the mandatory check-in requirements
Failure to comply with the mandatory check-in requirements can result in penalties for both individuals and businesses. Businesses that fail to comply can face fines of up to $5,000, while individuals who refuse to check-in can be fined up to $1,000. The NSW Government takes these requirements seriously in a bid to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks and protect public health.
How to generate and display a NSW Government QR code at your location
Generating and displaying a NSW Government QR code is a straightforward process. To generate the code, you need to:
- Visit the NSW Government website and register your business or organization as COVID Safe
- Create your QR code by accessing the “Create check-in QR code” option
- Add the QR code to your premises in a location that is easily visible and accessible to individuals
It is important to note that there are strict guidelines on how and where QR codes should be displayed. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in penalties. You must display the QR code prominently, in a location that is easily visible and accessible to individuals entering your premises.
Alternative methods for individuals to verify their identity through Service NSW app.
While the NSW Government QR code is the preferred method for check-in, there are alternative ways for individuals to verify their identity using the Service NSW app. Such methods include:
- Using the Service NSW app to check-in to a business or organization with a QR code that is not issued by the NSW Government
- Manually providing your name and contact details to the business or organization for record-keeping purposes
- Using a physical sign-in sheet to provide your name and contact details
It is important to note that while these alternatives are available, the NSW Government QR code remains the most secure and efficient method for contact tracing purposes.
