Mandated Check In Qld to aid contact tracing at pubs, restaurants and cafes

The Palaszczuk Government’s new COVID-Safe check-in app will be mandated for most hospitality businesses across Queensland from 1 May to assist with contact tracing efforts. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that mandating Check In Qld for Queensland pubs, restaurants and cafes would allow contact tracers to more readily access information at a critical time for the State’s public health response. 

“Alongside testing, contact tracing is our most valuable tool to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” the Premier said. 

“Over the past 12 months, we have relied on our team of contact tracers to quickly identify and assist anyone who may have been exposed to the virus. 

“So it is absolutely essential that our contact tracers have access to relevant, legible and timely information, to do the important work to keep all Queenslanders safe. 

“That’s why, from Saturday 1 May 2021, we’re making Check In Qld mandatory for most hospitality businesses in Queensland. 

“We’re also asking all Queenslanders with a smartphone to download the free Check In Qld app at the Google Play or Apple App Stores, and enter their details once for all future check-ins at participating businesses.

“When we work together and do our part to comply with Public Health Directions, we can look forward to better days ahead, with eased restrictions and greater confidence while visiting venues.”  

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the mandate was necessary, with a number of recent COVID-19 cases linked to popular hospitality venues. 

“Since 27 March, we’ve seen dozens of restaurants and cafes added to our list of COVID-19 contact tracing locations, including as locations for close contacts,” Dr Young said. 

“We all understand the threat the virus poses in confined, enclosed spaces – even when people are practicing social distancing and hand hygiene – and as we work to contain the highly-contagious UK variant, we must do everything possible to assist our health authorities.

“I thank hospitality businesses for their understanding and their cooperation as we streamline and accelerate contact tracing in Queensland.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said there had already been enthusiastic adoption of Check In Qld. 

“Check In Qld is the free, convenient, coordinated and effective way to keep Queenslanders COVID Safe,” Mr Miles said. 

“One month on from its official launch, it’s proven extremely popular with Queensland businesses and patrons, with more than 13,500 businesses registered and more than 3.8 million check-ins by patrons. 

“The new mandate will ensure that wherever Queenslanders drink or dine, their records will be kept securely.

“I hope this move will bring customers greater peace of mind when choosing to dine-in at Queensland’s great pubs, restaurants and cafes.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath MP said it was great for businesses and for the health of Queenslanders.

“Check In Qld removes the burden of electronic record-keeping on our hospitality businesses and will assist with contact tracing,” Ms D’Ath said. 

“I encourage businesses to get in early and register to use the app ahead of the 1 May date.”

Minister for Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said there had been strong support for the app so far.

“The app has been downloaded more than 1.2 million times,” Ms Enoch said.

“From restaurants, pubs and cafes to hairdressers, libraries and gyms, the Check In Qld app has been helping Queenslanders stay COVID safe.

“One of the best features of the app is that you only need to enter your details once and the app remembers them for future check ins.

“Queenslanders are telling me this app is a safe and simple way for customers and staff to record their contact details and support businesses to comply with public health directions.”
Hospitality businesses can complete registration by following the steps via the Check In Qld app webpage.

Each Check In Qld QR code is assigned to a physical address, so businesses with multiple locations will require a separate registration and QR code for each location. 

Data collected via Check In Qld is stored securely for 56 days and is only accessed for contact tracing purposes. 

For more information and to register for Check In Qld, visit https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld 

For customers needing to download Check In Qld app, visit either the Google Play or Apple App stores.