A wider range of Dubbo businesses and workplaces are gearing up for the imminent introduction of compulsory check-in via the Service NSW app at their premises.
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There's just five days until the coronavirus-prompted system already mandatory at hospitality venues and function centres is extended to retail shops, gyms, and offices, among others.
Business NSW western NSW regional manager Vicki Seccombe reported of the sector's commitment in the face of some challenges.
"The business community understands the importance of giving contact tracers access to the QR code data quickly, but there has been some confusion around the implementation of the mandatory Service NSW QR code for retail and workplaces," she said.
"This mainly relates to the directive and whether their industry is required to implement the QR code or not, as this is not totally clear.
"We do also have some concerns for businesses located in an area with limited internet access and their ability to implement this.
"Our businesses will continue to do what is required, but they need the community to be proactive as well and get into the habit of checking in where-ever they go.
"We've been in contact with our local Service NSW representatives and they can help businesses to comply with the new mandate.
"Businesses can call Service NSW directly or contact your local business chamber and they can connect you to the local Service NSW business concierge."
In some districts, there's not always reliable internet and not everyone owns a smartphone, which Barwon MP Roy Butler highlights.
"In relation to the QR code check-ins, the majority of people I hear from want to do the right thing but issues like phone service in our communities, the fact not everyone has a smartphone, what other options there are for businesses, queuing outside stores to check-in creating a risk - are all issues that have been raised with me and my team," he said.
"I think on the whole a lot of people from out west are frustrated because COVID, they have all these rules places upon them, they do the right thing but then we hear about people from Sydney taking a jaunt out west and putting us all at risk."
Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders advised of options for when internet access was down.
"If there is an internet or telecommunications outage, the customer check-in record can be in the form of a spreadsheet or any other form of digital entry that can track customer check-ins and protect the privacy of customers," he said.
"...The Service NSW QR code is very simple to set up, and there is also a web form that businesses can use to check-in anyone who is unable to scan the QR code themselves."
"If businesses require any further assistance I would encourage them to call the NSW Government's COVID-19 Business Concierge Service on 13 77 88."