USE of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday 12 July.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said expanding the mandate would give NSW Health contact tracers real-time access to QR code data from a greater number of venues including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.

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“This is about keeping our local customers and staff safe and getting all businesses open again as soon as possible,” Mr Martin said.

“We know the Delta variant of COVID-19 moves quickly and we must do everything we can to get it under control.

“While many retail businesses, including large supermarkets and hardware chains, have voluntarily adopted the Service NSW QR code, this measure will ensure check-in rates are high across the board and contact tracers have access to reliable and comprehensive records.”

From 12 July, these businesses will need to display the Service NSW QR code and take reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using the Service NSW QR codes or digital sign-in sheet:

• Retail businesses and supermarkets
• Individual shops within shopping centres
• Shopping centres will also be asked to display QR codes at entry points where practicable
• Gyms
• Offices, including call centres
• Manufacturing and warehousing
• Universities and TAFE
• Schools including teachers and visitors (such as parents and contractors) but excluding students.

Businesses such as hospitality and hairdressers that were already using the NSW Government QR code system will also need to ensure staff and visitors such as maintenance workers and delivery drivers check-in, when they resume services after the lockdown period.

Hospitality businesses will now need to extend the use of the Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in to all customers including takeaway orders.

Businesses that fail to comply with the new health order requirements may be subject to fines and in case of flagrant breaches, temporary closure orders.

“There is no excuse not to check-in everywhere you can – local businesses and customers all have a part to play to keep the community safe,” Mr Martin said.

“In the same way customers routinely check into cafes, restaurants and bars, we need them to adopt the same approach when visiting a supermarket, retail store and workplace.

“Inspectors have been asked to monitor the situation alongside the NSW Police.”

The Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in is easy for customers to use from within the Service NSW app.

There are more than 5.2 million active users of the Service NSW app.

The data captured by the Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in is only used for the purposes of contact tracing by NSW Health.

It is deleted after 28 days.

Businesses who need to register for the NSW Government QR code can find the application form and more information at https://www.nsw.gov.au/register-your-business-as-covid-safe

For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available.