Hospitality businesses rush the Check In Qld app before May 1st deadline

The Check in Qld app is in great demand.

Over 1.9 million Queenslanders have already downloaded it and are actively using the public safety device which is now a crucial frontline tool for containing any future COVID-19 outbreaks.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said everyone involved with the roll-out of the simple to use, free Check in Qld app deserve a big thanks.

“Since going live in February more than 22,390 businesses have embraced it and got firmly behind this effort to keep Queenslanders safe,” the Premier said.           

“It has already proven a game changer. Queensland Health contact tracers used it to immediately identify any close or casual contacts during the recent Covid-19 clusters.

“While the response has been great, I remind those hospitality businesses that haven’t already signed up to do so now. From May 1 it will be compulsory for all involved in this sector to be using the Qld Check In app.

“Now is not the time to delay.

“The more general businesses participating, the better off all Queenslanders will be, and we can be even more confident in Queensland Health’s access to information to do contact tracing.

“Immediately after announcing last month that the Check in Qld app would be mandatory for hospitality businesses more than 1000 businesses a day began signing up and we expect the momentum to continue through to the May 1 deadline.”

The Premier said, as of Friday Queenslanders had scanned the app 10 million times when out and about.

The app can be downloaded at participating businesses or the Apple and Google app stores.

Minister for Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said it is wonderful to see the widespread take-up of the app.

“It’s great to see such strong support for the app from Queenslanders and the business community, and it is still the number one free app in Australia on both Google and Apple, which is incredible,” she said.

“This is a safe and simple way for customers and staff to record their contact details and support businesses to comply with public health directions, keeping everyone 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, including details of any dependents.

“It is also easy for businesses to use. Once they are setup, businesses don’t need to do anything other than check that their customers are logged in.

“And for customers who don’t have a smartphone or are unable to use the app, the Check In Qld app allows for the business to use their own app to enter customers, or if you are with someone who has the app, they can check you in as their guest.

“Businesses are also now reporting to us that they are changing over from other forms of QR codes, including web-based platforms, which is saving them money, time and energy.”

Minister Enoch encouraged Queenslanders to download the free Check In Qld app at the Google Play or Apple App stores and enter their details so they’re ready to go.

“I also encourage all hospitality businesses to register for the app before the May 1 deadline.

“Data collected through the app is stored securely for 56 days by the Queensland Government and will only be used for contact tracing purposes if needed,” she said.

Visit www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld for more information, including Frequently Asked Questions, or Call 134 COVID (134 268).

Businesses can register at https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld/check-in-qld-registration-form

ENDS

Media contact: Pam Frost 0437 859 987