From today, Tasmanians will be able to download the Check in TAS app - the latest effort to strengthen the state's COVID-19 contact tracing.
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But how does it work, and what does it mean for Tasmanians and businesses?
Ahead of its official launch, here's everything we know so far.
What's it for?
Contact tracing in Tasmanian hospitality venues has been mandatory since November 13.
With more people entering the state, the state government and Public Health have ramped up efforts in preparation of more potential COVID-19 cases or outbreaks.
This includes the Check in TAS app - a free contact tracing application for venues wanting to move away from paper-based systems.
In announcing the app, Premier Peter Gutwein said it wasn't intended to replace existing electronic collection methods.
Rather, venues can choose whether or not to register to receive a free Check in TAS QR Code, by completing a form online.
Applications for businesses to register for the app opened on November 26, with the app available for public download to from December 1.
How does it work?
The app is a rebranded version of systems already in place in Canberra and more recently the Northern Territory.
From today, Tasmanians can download the app to a smart phone and register their details - name, email and mobile number.
Then every time they see a Check in TAS QR Code at a venue, they can open the app, scan the venue's QR code and the app will display a green tick to show they have checked into the venue.
It will also allow an individual to check a group into a venue, and users can also see their own check in history in the app.
Venue staff may ask customers show them a successful Check In Tas app screen.
Each QR code is assigned to a physical address so each location/venue of a business will require a separate registration and QR code.
What about my privacy?
Premier Peter Gutwein said the app includes stringent data and security protocols, with data history to be deleted after 28 days.
Personal data will only be collected for COVID-19 tracing purposes, and can only be accessed by authorised Tasmanian Health personnel in the event of a positive COVID-19 case at the venue.
This information will be collected for the purposes of -
- the management, detection, notification, treatment or prevention of the spread of COVID-19
- managing a threat to public health, or a likely threat to public health, as a result of the COVID-19
- ensuring compliance with, and enforcing, the Public Health Act 1997
Venues will not have access to the contact tracing data collected via the Check in TAS app.
What if I don't want to use the app?
Because contact tracing remains mandatory, venues will still need to offer an alternative to the app - such as pen and paper sign ins.
Other digital systems including venue client booking systems, which collect the mandated customer tracing information, can still be used.
More information can be found here.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
