Use of QR codes for COVID-19 contact tracing in Australia

[eastwest101]

Without having to read the previous 8 pages, where the issue may have already been covered, it is incredible to think that at the State and Federal government's zoom meetings that they could not come up with a national form for interstate travel.....Traffic Lights (really.....!!!!), G2G PASS, SAPOL and so on. They should be ashamed of their incompetence and Duck-Shoving,

Not to mention each state having its own unique QR code scanning system for contact tracing, because why have one national system when you can have 7 unique and disparate ways to collect the same data in different states right?

 

[dajop]

Not to mention each state having its own unique QR code scanning system for contact tracing, because why have one national system when you can have 7 unique and disparate ways to collect the same data in different states right?

From what I experienced in Melbourne/Vic during my 5 weeks there there isn't a real attempt at implementing QR code scanning system anyway. No-one really enforces it, it's time consuming and there is no tracking of exit, just entry times. Amateur hour quite frankly. But works well in respecting privacy and avoiding overzealous government interference.

You need to go to a place where the government reaches much more deeply into peoples lives (like Singapore), where QR codes are checked, and and are much easier to use (with an pre-filled app, scan the code and you are checked in, then press checkout button when you leave, very simple, most QR codes are large enough to be scanned without having to stop walking. Even better you can save favourites which means for regular places you don't even scan the QR code, you just hit the venue on your favourites list, very easy).

 

[jb747]

From what I experienced in Melbourne/Vic during my 5 weeks there there isn't a real attempt at implementing QR code scanning system anyway.

I don't understand what is happening with the QR codes in Victoria. There is an app, and it works well enough, but I can only recall using it once.

NSW is almost as bad though. Their app also works well enough, but most places still have non government QR codes, which means you have to enter details each time. I'd thought the NSW government had mandated retirement of non gov codes. I guess not.

Local Officeworks uses the code, but nothing else. Truly weird.

 

[blackcat20]

I don't understand what is happening with the QR codes in Victoria. There is an app, and it works well enough, but I can only recall using it once.

NSW is almost as bad though. Their app also works well enough, but most places still have non government QR codes, which means you have to enter details each time. I'd thought the NSW government had mandated retirement of non gov codes. I guess not.

Local Officeworks uses the code, but nothing else. Truly weird.

I'm finding the Vic Services QR code being used most places I go. Some cafes have their own but that is often linked to an order via phone system.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

I think jb747 mentioned they are a border resident (NSW/Vic), so perhaps compliance is a bit lax there.

Edit NSW seems mandatory Service NSW QR in some venue types

COVID-19 business resources

Help for businesses and workers, including COVID-19 Safety Plans and guidance to stay safe now that restrictions in NSW have eased.

www.nsw.gov.au

Vic seems paper is still ok.

About the free Service Victoria QR Code app | Coronavirus Victoria

The Service Victoria QR Code app is free for all Victorian businesses, organisations, clubs and events. This service helps contact tracers to contain a COVID-19 outbreak

www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au

 

[blackcat20]

I think jb747 mentioned they are a border resident (NSW/Vic), so perhaps compliance is a bit lax there.

Being on the border isnt really an excuse for any business though, they are required to maintain contact details.

 

[SydneySwan]

NSW is almost as bad though. Their app also works well enough, but most places still have non government QR codes, which means you have to enter details each time. I'd thought the NSW government had mandated retirement of non gov codes. I guess not.

Local Officeworks uses the code, but nothing else. Truly weird.

My experience in Sydney is completely the opposite, Everyone seems to be using government QR codes.

 

[Pushka]

People have to use the SA Govt QR code, no businesses can have their own internal company one. Even when hosting a large gathering at home.

 

[jakeseven7]

My experience in Sydney is completely the opposite, Everyone seems to be using government QR codes.

Cafes and restaurants in Syd where I have been seem to be using their ordering platforms. But this was prior to the latest Sydney outbreak.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Being on the border isnt really an excuse for any business though, they are required to maintain contact details.

I’m not referring to it as an excuse, just an explanation for the different experiences. You experienced most places, jb747 found 1.

Anyway the rules I edited on to my reply indicate:

Service NSW QR mandatory for hospitality and hairdressers, others in NSW seem to allow use of other electronic

Vic prefers electronic, Vic SERvices QR seems not mandatory and paper seems to be ok.

 

[Lynda2475]

I think Regional areas have been slower to adopt the service NSW QR app than Sydney Metro.

Everywhere I have been in Sydney Metro since the Service NSW app became mandatory for hospitaity has had it - Coles, Nail Salon, Hairdressers, Club, Cafes, Resturants, Opera House, Cinema, Gelato shop, Myer, Office buildings, Art Gallery.

Whereas when I was in Byron in early January, only about 60% of places had the Service NSW QR codes, and the rest (includng Woolworths) had their own systems. Which is against the law for hospitality venues, so I reported 2 cafes to Service NSW using their online form.

The Service NSW app is easy, launch it, scan QR, click submit. When leaving, open the app and check out.

 

[Mattg]

I just wish everyone would use the ACT system (or similar), which is the "Check in CBR" app. All businesses in the ACT use it, and it's so easy to use. You scan the QR code, which opens the App, and all you have to do then is press the "check in" button.

I believe the NT has licenced this technology and is also using a similar system.

I don't find the Service NSW app too bad either, but the QLD system is a basketcase. When I was up there recently, every business still seemed to be using their own form (many are just basic Google forms) and there didn't seem to be any consistency about what information they're asking for, whether anyone is actually checking you've filled it out, etc. For example, one of the forms I came across in QLD wanted to know all sorts of info that didn't seem relevant to what was needed and took several minutes to complete... I imagine most people didn't bother at all.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

I just wish everyone would use the ACT system (or similar), which is the "Check in CBR" app. All businesses in the ACT use it, and it's so easy to use. You scan the QR code, which opens the App, and all you have to do then is press the "check in" button.

I believe the NT has licenced this technology and is also using a similar system.

I don't find the Service NSW app too bad either, but the QLD system is a basketcase. When I was up there recently, every business still seemed to be using their own form (many are just basic Google forms) and there didn't seem to be any consistency about what information they're asking for, whether anyone is actually checking you've filled it out, etc. For example, one of the forms I came across in QLD wanted to know all sorts of info that didn't seem relevant to what was needed and took several minutes to complete... I imagine most people didn't bother at all.

Lol, What types of questions were asked?

The only extra questions I’ve ever been asked on the forms were covid related eg symptoms, 14 day travel history, etc.

 

[Mattg]

Lol, What types of questions were asked?

The only extra questions I’ve ever been asked on the forms were covid related eg symptoms, 14 day travel history, etc.

In addition to the usual questions (i.e. name and contact phone or email address) from memory they wanted to know my home address, an emergency contact person's details, and to list all the postcodes I'd been in the last 14 days. They also wanted me to sign up to the restaurant's marketing emails (I opted out of that!).

 

[blackcat20]

I just wish everyone would use the ACT system (or similar), which is the "Check in CBR" app. All businesses in the ACT use it, and it's so easy to use. You scan the QR code, which opens the App, and all you have to do then is press the "check in" button.

The VIC app works the same way.

 

[AisleSeat]

The issue I've found with QR codes in Vic is that you don't know what platform is being used. I went to a restaurant and they were using the Service Victoria QR code. I tried to check using my camera (Android) and got redirected to a page to download the SV app because there was some issue (iPhone users had no problem). I went to another cafe, scanned their QR code (using a different platform) and and got the check in form immediately.

Seems like its an Android issue with Service Victoria QR code

 

[blackcat20]

The issue I've found with QR codes in Vic is that you don't know what platform is being used. I went to a restaurant and they were using the Service Victoria QR code. I tried to check using my camera (Android) and got redirected to a page to download the SV app because there was some issue (iPhone users had no problem). I went to another cafe, scanned their QR code (using a different platform) and and got the check in form immediately.

Seems like its an Android issue with Service Victoria QR code

I have an android and the camera won’t open in the app. But if I scan the code with my camera app it correctly logs it in the VS app.

 

[PineappleSkip]

I don't think Qld has an official app. If it does it doesn't have much takeup

Cheers skip

 

[jakeseven7]

I thought Mr Yum was the official app for Sydney and Melbourne lol

 

[jb747]

Well, an update. I found a second Victorian business using the QR code. Just about next door to Officeworks (which was the first place), so not a surprise.

I just don’t get places like Bunnings not having it. How hard would it be to spread the codes around the store?