Check yourself in for everyone’s safety

Government and health authorities have called on Victorians to adhere to the check in system.

The latest lockdown has highlighted the importance of the QR code check in system in tracing any Covid outbreaks.

Earlier this month, the government announced a crackdown on businesses that failed to meet CovidSafe check in requirements, and reported an alarming 37 per cent of business were not compliant with the CovidSafe rules.

Hospitality venues, ride share, sports facilities, hair and beauty services, arts facilities and entertainment venues are all included on a list of over 20 types of businesses that must have a QR Code Service.

Although it is not mandatory for retail stores to have a QR Code, many retailers, including all the supermarkets in Cowes and San Remo have check in codes in place.

Both IGA stores have signs asking people to check in, but admitted it was not possible to police if customers were using the QR system.

“I don’t expect there will be 100 per cent compliance unless the government changes their recommendations,” said Matt Synan from IGA in San Remo.

But I think it’s the right thing to be doing, to look after our local community and in support of the effort to manage, control and eliminate the COVID-19 threat.”

A spokesperson for Coles in Cowes said it used the Service Victoria system.

“We currently ask that customers check-in each time they visit our stores by scanning the QR Codes on display at the front of the store, above the sanitiser stations within the store, or at the checkouts.

“If customers cannot use the QR Codes or Service Victoria App, a Check-in register is available at the Service Desk.”

Woolworths also has signage and QR codes at the entry to the Cowes store.

Contact tracing

Dr Dan Crompton, Clinical Director of Emergency Services at Bass Coast Health, urged people to use the check-in system for the safety of the community.

“It only takes one person to have COVID-19 for it to spread rapidly,” he said.

“That’s why people attending public places need to check-in because it makes contract tracing easier and quicker.

“Contract tracing allows us to contain an outbreak of COVID-19 quickly and effectively.”

Dr Crompton said there had been recent examples where it had taken contact tracers days to identify a case because the person had not checked in through a QR code or booklet.

“In that timeframe of a few days, contacts, if exposed, will have spread it to their loved ones, workmates and community members.

“Some of those people will be vulnerable members of our community, eg older people, and for people like that who are unvaccinated, it will be deadly. With these new strains, the virus will move about quicker than ever because it is contagious.”

Victorians are being asked to download the Service Victoria app to make checking in simple and efficient.

Businesses that don’t comply with check in requirements could face fines of between $1652 and $9913.

Covid safety breaches can be reported to the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, WorkSafe’s advisory line on 1800 136 089 or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Checking in will make it possible for contact tracers to contact you if you have been in a venue declared an exposure site.

You can download the Service Victoria app at service.vic.gov.au/check-in/

Information on the app is deleted after 28 days unless it is required by contact tracers.

For more information on the free Victorian Government QR Code Service, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/about-victorian-government-qr-code-service