The Northern Territory Government is releasing an app to help local businesses and organisations with the new COVID-safe check-in system that begins from next week.
Chief Minister, Michael Gunner said The Territory Check In app means venues who are required to start collecting visitor information won’t have to set up their own system.
“It is a contactless, secure and simple way for customers and visitors to sign in to establishments, using a QR Code,” he said.
“We are entering a new phase in this crisis, with more people coming and going to and from the Territory, so it makes sense to add this extra layer of protection, to stay extra safe.
He said The Territory Check In was a fast and hassle-free way for Territorians to stay safe, and Territory businesses and organisation to keep on top of their COVID-safe requirements.
“This is about making life easier, not harder, for Territory businesses,” the Chief Minister said.
“Territorians know how important it is to support local businesses, and this app should give us all some extra confidence to back local, buy local and make sure the Territory continues to be Australia’s comeback capital.”
All venues that have a registered COVID Safety Plan will also be automatically registered for The Territory Check In app and will be sent their own QR Code to be displayed from 30 November.
When individuals arrive at a premises and scan the QR Code, their details will be securely stored by NT Health for 28 days, to ensure contact tracing can occur quickly and effectively if it is required.
The Government says customer information will only be accessed if required for contact tracing.
“Territorians and visitors will only need to supply their personal details once upon registration for the app, and a member of a party can also check in friends and family who might not have their own device. Every participating venue will have a unique QR Code and scanning the Code will automatically register the date and time of the visit,” the Mr Gunner said.
The Territory Check In is free to use, and will be available via the Apple App Store or Google Play for Territorians to download and register from November 30.
“The Northern Territory Government is using the same platform as the ACT Government, and we thank the ACT Government for helping us deliver this app for the Territory.”
From 30 November, a new Chief Health Officer direction will require establishments with COVID Safety Plans to review their plans every six months and appoint a COVID Safety Supervisor from their team.
Specific businesses and organisations will be required to use a COVID-safe check-in system – such as the The Territory Check In – to record contact details of visitors to their venue, if they intend to stay for longer than 15 minutes.
“We have been so proud with how well local businesses have managed to stay open and stay safe during this crisis,’ said Health Minister, Natasha Fyles.
“We all have a role to play, and business like hospitality and tourism operators have been eager to be part of the solution in keeping the Territory as safe as possible.
“This app should take some of the stress out of implementing the new directions that come into effect from next week. With the addition of this new app, they will be ready to hit the ground running.”
She said venues that already record the required visitor information did not need to implement a new system or change their current system.
For those that do need to implement a new system, The Territory Check In app is not the compulsory platform.
“NT Health and the Territory’s Small Business Champions will continue to work with local venues to make sure they have a system in place that works best for them,” the Minister said.
For more information on the The Territory Check In app, visit: www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au
