Download and display QR codes for the NHS Covid-19 contact tracing app launched today
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News , Political News
The NHS Covid-19 contact tracing app has been launched today, 24 September, in England and Wales as part of national efforts to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The app will work alongside traditional methods of contact tracing to notify users when they encounter someone who later tests positive and it will provide advice on what they should do. Those who use the app will be provided with local risk information and allow them to book testing quickly. The app also has the facility to use a built-in QR scanner to check in at venues required to record attendance.
Download and display QR codes
To use the contact tracing app businesses will need to download and display QR codes. The codes will be an important way for NHS Test and Trace in England and NHS Test, Trace, Protect in Wales to contact people if coronavirus outbreaks are identified. The app works in exactly the same way in both nations.
QR posters are unique to each venue - businesses can download posters for their premises here and the FAQs for businesses on QR codes can be found here.
In England, using QR codes will help businesses meet the new legal requirement to record the contact details of customers, visitors and staff on their premises. Businesses who are already using their own QR system are encouraged to switch to the NHS Test and Trace QR code. An alternative check-in method, such as a handwritten register, must be maintained to collect the contact details of those who don't have the app.
In Wales it is compulsory for businesses in certain high risk sectors to collect and keep records of staff, customers and visitors. Checking in with the app does not replace this requirement. High risk premises in Wales must continue to keep a full record of staff, customers and visitors, including people who check in using the QR code poster for the location.
The app will be a critical enhancement of NHS Test and Trace in England, and the Test, Trace and Protect service in Wales. It will provide users with local risk information, and allow them to quickly and easily book a free test, and use a built-in QR scanner to check-in at venues. The app will allow people to know more quickly if they are at risk of the virus, so they can take action fast to protect their communities and families.
More information about the benefits and functions of the app, as well as further assets for businesses can be found on the NHS website here.