The Queensland Government is rolling out a new, free, check-in app which makes it easier for the state’s hospitality businesses, and their customers, to stay COVID-safe.
The app rolls out across Queensland today and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the app has been extensively over the last few weeks, with venue operators giving it their backing.
“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.
“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 on-going, check-in across all participating venues.
“The more businesses sign up, the better it will be for all of us.
“Having a safe and consistent check-in app has been a top priority, as we embrace the ‘new normal’ of a COVID safer environment,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Importantly, the app removes some of the everyday burdens of COVID-19 restrictions for licenced venues, cafes and their customers.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to help keep our community safe, and effective contact tracing still remains at the heart of our public health response,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“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 and Doug Meagher, Venue Manager at the Orion Hotel in Springfield said the new app saves a whole lot of time for his staff and makes access much smoother for everyone.
“Rolling out this app is a massive step forward for Queensland in maintaining a COVID safe environment,” he said.
Customers simply need to download the app from Google Play or Apple App Stores and then simply check-in at participating venues using their Check In QLD QR code.
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 hard-working 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.
Using the Check In Qld app means 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.