Check In Qld app now mandatory at more locations

COVID-19

Karlie Brady

Journalist

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The list of mandatory businesses to check in to has just got longer. Image: Karlie Brady.

From today you will need to have your phone handy at more places as the Check In Qld app becomes mandatory at thousands of more locations and businesses across the state.

The app is an essential tool for contact tracers in containing possible COVID-19 outbreaks in the community.

Previously, the Check In QLD app was only a requirement for the hospitality sector; however, it has now been extended for a number of new sectors, including shopping centres, and supermarkets, beauty and personal care services and venues that attract large crowds.

If you still don’t have the app yet, it's easy to find on the App Store or Google Play Store and once downloaded you will only need to enter your details once.

Where do I need to check in?

In addition to the hospitality sector, you will now need to check in when out and about at:

  • venues that attract large crowds, such as stadiums, convention centres, theme parks, concert venues and cinemas
  • shopping centres and supermarkets
  • beauty and personal care service, such as hairdressing, beauty therapy and nail services
  • indoor events, such as cultural festivals and expos
  • outdoor events, such as fun runs and fetes
  • leisure and recreation facilities, such as gyms, health clubs, indoor sports facilities and indoor pools
  • short-term residential facilities such as hotels, boarding houses and short-term holiday rentals
  • outdoor recreation, such as caravan parks, camping areas, zoos and aquariums
  • public-facing government services, such as customer service counters in government buildings, galleries, museums, libraries and community centres such as recreation halls
  • weddings, funerals and places of worship (only required if indoor)
  • higher education institutions, such as universities, TAFEs and registered training organisations
  • adult entertainment venues
  • hospitals, residential aged care, disability service accommodation (applies to visitors, volunteers and contractors, not staff or patients/residents).

Businesses to register

A full list of which businesses need to register can be found on the Queensland Government website.

Business owners can then register to sign up with the Check in Qld app and download a set-up guide online which includes a QR code poster that must be displayed in multiple locations.

Customer information will be stored in the app and Queensland Health can only access it if there is a need to do contact tracing.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said in the past two weeks ago, an additional 77,000 businesses had already signed up for the public safety device and there had been more than 32 million check ins via the Check In Qld app.

That brings the total business applications to more than 128,000 and total check-ins using the app to more than 97 million.

‘While we’ve seen a great response so far, can I please remind businesses that haven’t signed up to get on board now before the Friday 9 July deadline because it will be compulsory for all involved in this sector to be using the Check In Qld app.

“It’s not too much to ask for more freedom. We want life to go back to as normal as possible and I think this is a very small request.

“It’s an incredibly straightforward process. Once the business is set up, they don’t need to do anything else other than check that their customer has logged in.

What if you don't have the app?

Use of the app for patrons is encouraged because it is quick and easy. However, if you don’t have a phone or the app you can leave your contact information by other means.

It is mandatory to leave your contact details.

Why do I need to check in?

“This app is all about keeping Queenslanders safe and helping our contact tracers when there has been community transmission of COVID-19 in our community,” Ms D’Ath said.

“This important safety tool enables our contact tracers to reach out to people and get on top of any potential outbreaks early and find those links quickly.

“We’ve seen how effective checking in has been in recent days and as we continue to look at ways of easing restrictions this a vital step to achieving that and building confidence in our contact tracing efforts.

“I thank everyone for checking in now where they have been around venues and restaurants and cafes. Let’s continue to check in to keep everyone safe.”

Thank you!

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