Government has announced that the NHS Test and Trace COVID App will be released for mass use on 24 September.
The app will be a critical enhancement of NHS Test and Trace in England, and the Test, Trace and Protect service in Wales.
As part of this, businesses and venues across England and Wales will be required to display QR code posters for people to “check-in”, and venues are being requested to use the time between now and the launch date to get prepared.
Businesses and venues can download a customised QR code for their premises from the Government’s website. The QR code can then be displayed on the entrances to premises for people to scan as they enter.
The following types of business or venue should provide a customer log, and are now expected to display an NHS QR code poster at your venue when the app launches nationally:
- hospitality services, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
- tourism and leisure services, including hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
- close contact services, including hairdressers, barbershops and tailors
- facilities provided by Local Authorities, including town halls and civic centres for events, community centres, libraries and children’s centres
- places of worship, including use for events and other community activities
If a business has a venue outside of these categories that is visited by members of the public and has a space where people congregate, then they are also being encouraged to create a QR code poster for the entrance to that venue.
The app is a vital part of the overall NHS Test and Trace service and the two biggest lessons learnt from the pilots are the incredible power of local networks and that giving businesses the opportunity to get ready and launch QR posters is key.
Geoff Barnes, Deputy Director of Public Health, said: “The more people who use the app, the better it will work – and it will help us get ahead of the virus, preventing a second wave, further local lockdowns, and further disruption to the economy. It will allow us all to know quicker if we’re at risk of the virus, so we can take action, fast, to protect our communities and the ones we love.”
The app will provide users with local risk information, alert them if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive and very importantly has a built-in QR scanner to check-in at venues.
Cllr John Fenty, Cabinet member for business in North East Lincolnshire added: “I’d urge businesses and venues to start to get ready now for the app release and get the QR codes ready for display. I’d also like to thank businesses once again for their help in everything we’re doing in North East Lincolnshire to help keep people safe in our borough.”
Business resources are available from https://covid19.nhs.uk/information-and-resources.html
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