By Juliano Oliveira
The majority of hospitality businesses across Queensland will mandatorily have to check-in customers through the COVID-Safe App as of 1 May.
After the growth of two Brisbane clusters containing the UK variant, Queensland Government has decided to determine the system’s mandatory nature to assist with contact tracing efforts.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that, alongside testing, contact tracing is the most valuable tool to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
“Over the past 12 months, we have relied on our team of contact tracers to quickly identify and assist anyone who may have been exposed to the virus,” the Premier said.
“So it is absolutely essential that our contact tracers have access to relevant, legible and timely information to do the important work to keep all Queenslanders safe.”
The Premier called for Queenslanders with a smartphone to download the free app at the Google Play or Apple App Stores.
“When we work together and do our part to comply with Public Health Directions, we can look forward to better days ahead, with eased restrictions and greater confidence while visiting venues.”
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the order was required, with several recent COVID-19 cases linked to popular hospitality venues.
“Since 27 March, we’ve seen dozens of restaurants and cafes added to our list of COVID-19 contact tracing locations, including as locations for close contacts,” Dr Young said.
“We all understand the threat the virus poses in confined, enclosed spaces – even when people are practising social distancing and hand hygiene – and as we work to contain the highly-contagious UK variant, we must do everything possible to assist our health authorities.”
Data from Queensland Government has pointed to the register of 13,500 businesses and more than 3.8 million check-ins by patrons. The app has been downloaded more than 1.2 million times.
Data collected via the app is stored for 56 days and is only accessed for contact tracing purposes. For more information and to register for Check In Qld, visit https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld