Customer-facing businesses urged to prepare for new Covid app which supports test and trace - The Leamington Observer

Customer-facing businesses urged to prepare for new Covid app which supports test and trace

Leamington Editorial 22nd Sep, 2020   0

HIGHSTREET businesses and other businesses with public access are being urged to prepare for a new Covid app which supports the test and trace system.

The NHS Covid-19 app is being launched on Thursday (September 24) and businesses including pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, cinemas are required to display QR code posters so those with the app can check in.

The new app has a range of features that will help reduce personal and public risk from Covid-19 as part of the wider test and tracing services.

The app’s features are:




QR check in – Scanning the QR codes allows the app to alert the user if they have recently visited a venue where they may have come into contact with someone with Covid-19. If they themselves have a positive test for Covid-19, the app will tell them exactly where they visited and when – vital information they can share with contact tracing teams helping to manage the virus.

Risk alert – Letting users know the level of coronavirus risk in their postcode district.


Symptom check – Allowing users to check if they have coronavirus symptoms and see if they need to order a free test.

Test – Helping users book a free test through the app.

Isolation countdown – If a user is told to self-isolate, a timer will countdown that period and provide advice.

Businesses are just one sector being encouraged to use the NHS system. Universities, hospitals, leisure premises, civic centres and libraries will also be urged to display posters in communal areas such as cafes.

Warwickshire County Council is urging all such businesses to download the QR code posters as soon as possible ahead of the launch. QR codes will be crucial in helping people record their movements, thereby supporting the NHS Test, Trace, Protect system.

The NHS QR code and check in function is in addition to existing measures. Venues in Warwickshire which are legally required to collect and keep a record of visitors, need to continue to do so.

Coun Les Caborn, Portfolio holder for adult social care and health said: “With the numbers of coronavirus cases rising across the country, the launch of the NHS Covid-19 app is an important part of the coronavirus response. It is essential that Warwickshire businesses do all they can to protect their customers and control the spread of the virus. The Government has stressed that all businesses with a physical location open to the public must support the roll out of the app and download their QR posters to help defeat the virus.”

Visit www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster to download a poster.

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