Posted on Wednesday 23rd September 2020
The NHS COVID-19 app and QR check-in launches tomorrow (24 September) in England and Wales. This means that certain premises, including council-run venues, will be legally required to display NHS QR code posters.
The county council has been working closely with partners to make sure that venues across Staffordshire are prepared ahead of the new app’s two-nation roll-out.
Venues were already required to record and maintain contact details logs for customers, visitors and staff. From the morning they now need to clearly display a QR poster in addition to maintaining and sharing records. Many Staffordshire venues are up to speed with the new regulations and already informing visitors of the app and new check-in requirements that come into force.
Businesses risk being fined up to £1,000 if they fail to comply, which can rise to £4,000 for repeat offenders but the county council believe venues understand the need for the new scheme.
With venues briefed, the county council is now shifting its focus to urge the public to download the NHS COVID-19 app - as the more people who use the app, the more effective it will be for contact tracing.
The app is free to download, simple to use and is available on both Apple and Android devices.
Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: “Asking residents and business to fully embrace the new NHS app is vital to help control the spread of the virus and it will also play an important part to help secure a path leading to the easing of some of the national restrictions announced yesterday.”
There is still time for venues to create a QR poster and prepare for tomorrow’s launch. There are simple instructions on the government website.
You can check which venues this new rule applies to.
For further information on how to download and use the new app, please visit the Government website.