New Queensland QR check-in app set to cut wait times

The Queensland Government has rolled out a new free COVID-19 check-in app which is hoped will cut queues and prevent filling out countless online forms when entering hospitality businesses.

The new check-in app was released statewide on Sunday and allows patrons to save their details on the app, rather than having to re-submit them at every venue.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Check-In Qld app aims to simplifies compliance with Public Health Directions for all hospitality venues, with patrons and customers able to self-check-in and have their information stored securely.

“Once people have used the Check-In Qld app at one business, it remembers your details, saving you time in the future and providing easy on-going, check-in across all participating venues," she said.

“The more businesses sign up, the better it will be for all of us.

“Importantly, the app removes some of the everyday burdens of COVID-19 restrictions for licenced venues, cafes, and their customers.”

Liam Hudson, Manager at Paddy’s Bar and Grill Port Douglas said they will be looking into the new system.

“Anything that will streamline the process and make it easier for punters and business to be compliant is a good thing in my opinion,” he said.

“I think it will be a good thing if all of the venues have access to the same system.

“While generally, it is fairly easy already, I think it will be even easier if it is one check-in for everybody.”

“Other states are doing it and it seems to work quite well,” he said.

For customers, it’s as simple as downloading the app from Google Play or Apple App Stores and entering their details once. At participating venues, customers can then ‘Check-in Now’ by opening the app and using the venue’s Check-In Qld QR code.

“Customers can add the names of the other people in their party, show venue staff their successful check-in screen, and then enjoy their time out knowing they have helped keep Queenslanders safe,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the app had been endorsed by Queensland Health and would play a critical role in the state’s contact tracing efforts.

“The new Check-In Qld app will help Queensland Health’s hard-working contact tracing team to quickly identify and assist anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19

“Acceptance of the app will strengthen our efforts to unite and recover from COVID-19 by ensuring contact tracing can be quickly carried out in a time-critical situation.

“People can have confidence, knowing check-in details will be stored securely by the Queensland Government for 30 to 56 days and will only be used if required for contact tracing purposes.”

By using the Check-In Qld app, businesses will not need to manually collect or manage the information.

It is not mandatory to use the Check-In Qld app however all hospitality businesses must continue to collect and store contact details electronically.