The current Delta outbreaks of the virus in both Victoria and NSW resulting in further lockdowns highlights the importance of us all ‘doing our bit’ to contribute to a safe environment for ourselves and our community.
QR Codes were introduced and available for access for Victorian businesses in November 2020.
To help our contact tracers keep Victorians safe, all businesses are now required to use the Victorian Government’s QR code through the Service Victoria app, and Victorians are required to check in everywhere, every time – even if they’re visiting businesses for fewer than 15 minutes.
To register to use the App see: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/register-to-use-vic-gov-qr-code-service . Which shows:
How to Make a QR Code in 8 Easy Steps
- Select a QR code generator.
- Choose the type of content you’re promoting.
- Enter your data in the form that appears.
- Consider downloading a dynamic QR code.
- Customize it.
- Test the QR code to make sure it scans.
- Share and distribute your QR code.
- Track and analyse performance.
Indications in the media are that Police are set to start cracking down on customers who refuse to or avoid scanning QR codes to check into venues, with large fines to start being handed out.
Businesses will face fines of up to $5,060 if they don’t enforce checking in, while individuals will face a $1,060 fine if they don’t scan the QR codes.
If a business that is required to keep electronic records is found without the free Service Victoria QR Code app in place, or is not requiring customers to check in, they may be issued with a $1,817 on-the-spot fine for non-compliance, and may be issued with an WorkSafe improvement notice at the same time to ensure the non-compliance is rectified.
A business may be prosecuted in court for non-compliance.
As stated earlier if a business fails to address issues of non-compliance with clients/customers scanning in using the QR code they could be subject to penalties, likewise if clients/customers do not wear a mask.
Therefore, businesses and their employees should respectfully and consistently ask people as they come in if they have scanned in. If they refuse to scan in they can advise that it is a Victorian Government requirement to scan in. Unfortunately, instruct the customer/client they will not be permitted to enter the premises unless they scan in or write their details on your register.
Likewise with face masks businesses and their employees have an obligation to ask any client/customer entering to wear a face mask and advising that it is a condition of entry. If they state that they have a medical exemption there is not much you can do, other than ask if you can see their exemption.
Businesses may consider asking the customer their name and recording that they had been asked to wear a mask and they had a medical exemption so that you can demonstrate your proactivity – this may be particularly important if your business is reported to the authorities and an officer comes to your premises.
In summary, QR codes are an integral component of a business’ CovidSafe Plan and must be regularly monitored to ensure that it is being actively utilised.
