NSW makes a big change to its QR code system as Premier Gladys Berejiklian tells locked-down residents checking into and out of venues is one of the keys to getting back to normal
The COVIDSafe QR code check-in system in NSW is one of the major tools used to prevent lockdowns with the system being expanded and new changes being introduced this month.
Users can now set a reminder to check-out of a venue using push notifications on their phone by simply selecting the option in their Service NSW app preferences.
The reminder to check-out will then pop up two hours after you have checked-in to any venue, with NSW Premier Gladys Berejikilan saying this makes the job of contact tracers much easier.
The Premier urged Sydneysiders not to get complacent Saturday with 19 degree temperatures and clear skies warming the Harbour City
The QR Code check-in system has been expanded to include more venues (file image)
While checking into an applicable venue is mandatory, checking out of the venue is encouraged but still optional and doesn't involve re-scanning the QR code.
The list of applicable venues was also massively expanded on Wednesday and will remain indefinitely after Sydney's 14-day lockdown finishes.
All workplaces, retail businesses and gyms will require those attending to check-in with the QR code from Monday, July 12.
As Sydney goes into it's second week of lockdown to kerb an outbreak emerging in the city's east in mid-June, the premier said not being complacent in following guidelines was key to not going into another lockdown.
'We're at the halfway point. We're at a good position,' said Ms Berejiklian.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirms the state has recorded 35 new cases on Saturday as the Bondi cluster grows to 261
'The lockdown is having the impact to date we though it would. There's nothing surprising we've seen in the numbers.
She said authorities expect the case numbers to continue to plateau and then drop as the lockdown continues.
'I just appeal to everyone to do the right thing. The lockdown is so far having the desired effect.'
'But we need that to continue.'
Crowds of people ventured out into parks and beaches in the city on Saturday with outdoor exercise allowed.
'We much prefer people exercising outside in a safe way, in a socially distanced way,' the Premier added.
In announcing the expanded QR code venues on Wednesday, Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said: 'This is about keeping customers and staff safe and getting all businesses open again as soon as possible'.
The app is one of the main tools to allow people to continue to move about without lockdowns
Mr Dominello said expanding the system would give NSW Health contact tracers immediate access to QR data from a greater number of venues including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.
'We know the Delta variant of COVID-19 moves quickly and we must do everything we can to get it under control,' Mr Dominello said.
NEW RULES FOR NSW QR CODE CHECK-INS
The expanded Service NSW QR system will apply from July 12.
Businesses listed below are required to check-in people attending the site:
Anybody visiting a restaurant or pub for takeaway.
Retail shops, gyms and fitness centres.
Shopping centres and individual shops in the centres.
Offices, factories and warehouses.
Universities and TAFE campuses.
Staff, teachers and guests at schools - but not students.
'While many retail businesses, including large supermarkets and hardware chains, have voluntarily adopted the Service NSW QR code, this measure will ensure check-in rates are high across the board and contact tracers have access to reliable records.'
From July 12 a raft of new business will be required to display the QR code signs and take reasonable steps to ensure anyone attending the premises checks in.
These businesses include retail stores, supermarkets, shopping centres and shops within shopping centres, gyms, offices, factories and warehouses, universities and TAFE campuses.
Schools will also be required to check-in staff, teachers, parents and guests. Students will be exempted.
Businesses that have already been required to use the QR code service for customers - such as hairdressers, cafes, and pubs - will also have to ensure contractors, maintenance workers and delivery drivers check in from July 12.
People visiting restaurants and pubs for takeaway only will also be required to scan QR codes.
Venues will need to provide paper check-in forms for anyone who doesn't have a smartphone.
'I've already spoke to the major retailers and supermarkets and expressed my clear indication that I expect them to put that system in place as a matter of urgency.' Mr Dominello told reporters on Wednesday.
'They don't need to wait until the 12th, because there is already a lot of through-traffic going through those venues as we speak, but there are a number of businesses that are shut down during the lockout period, so we we are giving them to the 12th'.
Anyone attending a hospitality venue in NSW for takeaway service from July 12 will be required to check in with the QR codes on their phone (file image)
Businesses which do not comply with the new rules can be fined, while those that repeatedly breach requirements can be forced to temporarily close.
'There is no excuse not to check-in everywhere you can – businesses and customers all have a part to play to keep NSW safe,' Mr Dominello said.
'In the same way customers routinely check into cafes, restaurants and bars, we need them to adopt the same approach when visiting a supermarket, retail store and workplace.'
'Inspectors have been asked to monitor the situation alongside the NSW Police.'
Service NSW has also noted the data captured by the QR system is used by contact tracers only and is deleted after 28 days.
NSW recorded 22 new local Covid cases on Wednesday as the city endures its first week of a 14-day lockdown.
Authorities expect numbers to tail off by the end of the week.
The new cases came from more than 68,000 tests undertaken to 8pm on Tuesday and Premier Gladys Berejiklian said initial fears of a significant escalation in case numbers hadn't been realised.
Of the 22 cases, 11 were in isolation for the entirety of their infectious period. The tally for the outbreak that began on June 16 is now 171.