Check in TAS app downloaded 83,000 times in opening months; QR code to become mandatory in May

The figures were released by the Health Department under Right to Information for the period from the release of the app on December 1 last year, to January 21.

The number of downloads would cover just over 15 per cent of the population of Tasmania, however the figures did not include whether these were locals or mainland visitors, and whether multiple downloads were included.

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The rate of check-ins increased significantly from the end of December to mid-January.

From May 1, it will become mandatory for hospitality business premises, venues, places of worship, cinemas, tourism premises, hairdressers, auction houses and other similar businesses in Tasmania to use the Check in TAS app.

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Advice on the government's coronavirus advice website states that check-in data must be recorded on the app, while paper-based check-in will only be used if there is no access to internet or a working mobile phone.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the Department of State Growth was working to make sure all relevant premises would have the QR code displayed from May 1.

She described take-up rates as "huge" so far.

"I think over the coming weeks, we're going to see that take-up continue," Ms Courtney said.

"We know that there is still a risk from COVID overseas, we still know that the vaccination program will take some time to roll out, but Tasmanians have done a great job of doing the right thing over the past year and I'm sure that they'll continue to do that to keep their community safe."

In February, The Examiner spoke with Launceston hospitality venues who stated that use of the Check in TAS QR code was low, and patrons generally preferred the paper-based method.

Collected data will be stored on the Health Department's AZURE platform and deleted after 28 days. Independent MLC Meg Webb had raised concerns about data collection from multiple other apps being used, and welcomed the use of the standardised Check in TAS app.

Ms Courtney said she was confident Tasmania had measures in place to cope with any outbreaks should they occur as border restrictions continue to be eased.

"We have got highly trained professionals within public health whose job is to be able to contact trace," she said.

"We've expanded this team."