BUSINESSES not using the Service NSW QR code system will face heavy fines from midday on January 1 after the NSW Government made it compulsory to use the standardised sign in method.
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Previously organisations were allowed to use their own individual sign-in methods to collect customer details and help with tracing, however NSW Premier Glady Berejiklian said that different methods were proving to be frustrating for contact tracers.
"Health's job is easiest when the Service NSW app is used," she said.
"It's been apparent to us that whilst we've allowed businesses to use alternative apps or alternative QR codes I should say, it's proving to be too frustrating for our contact tracers.
"By January 1 we want all hairdressers, all hospitality venues, to be using the Service NSW App and the Service NSW QR system.
"Our expectation is that around a week after that all other organisations and businesses who require record keeping, also revert to the NSW QR Code".
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliot, agreed saying the standard method would make it easier to investigate where people had been.
"This is seen as best practice," he said.
"It is consistent and it allows the government to maintain social tracing program."
Businesses are being urged to register as a COVID Safe Business on the Service NSW website to get their free QR code.
Businesses can display the unique QR code around the premises allowing patrons contactless check-in, or they can provide an alternative form of electronic check-in for patrons without smartphones.
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Businesses who don't use the Service NSW QR code check-in system face fines of up to $5,000 and closure or their premises. closure of the business for a week, and should the venue further fail to comply, potentially a month's closure.
NSW Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello, said that the consequences of non-compliance and complacency were serious
"It puts people's health at risk and destroys jobs," he said.
"The feedback we've received from contact tracers is that the Service NSW QR code is the most effective system in assisting NSW Health to protect the community.
"Our QR code also prevents the use of fake names as a customer's personal details are automatically captured via the Service NSW app when they scan their smartphone over the QR code."
Full details of the changes, along with businesses that are required to implement the Service NSW QR code system are available at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe.
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