In Australia, it only takes one person infected with COVID-19 visiting a couple of public venues for a whole state or territory to go into lockdown.
To identify contacts of COVID-19 cases, Australian states and territories have introduced mandatory QR code check-ins at public venues, which helps with contact tracing. To make this contact tracing easier, state and territory governments have developed QR code scanner apps, so you can quickly and safely check-in to venues and on public transport.
To check-in using QR codes, use the official QR code apps or your phone’s camera function. To do this, hover your phone over displayed QR codes while you are using a QR code app or your camera app until the option to check-in appears, then follow the prompts.
Note: if you are using your phone’s camera app to check-in, taking a picture of QR codes will not check you in. When holding your phone’s camera in front of a QR code, an option to check-in should appear on your phone. If it does not, use another method.
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South Australia
The SA Government’s QR code app is called COVID SAfe Check-In, and it is located in the mySA GOV app. You can download the mySA GOV app onto your phone from Google Play or the App Store.
You are not required to have a mySA GOV account to use the COVID SAfe Check-In feature. Once you have downloaded the app, you can scan the QR codes that most public spaces in SA are displaying in windows or on doors, so you can check-in before entering.
If you can’t use the mySA Gov QR code app, venues should have a paper sign-in sheet for you to fill out.
SA public transport and point-to-point services, such as taxis and rideshares, also require QR code check-ins.
SA public transport services don’t provide paper sign-in sheets, so if you can’t digitally check-in on public transport, you are encouraged to use a registered metroCARD to assist with contact tracing requirements.
Victoria
In Victoria, workers and visitors must check-in to all public venues, businesses, events, and commercial passenger vehicles (such as taxis) with the Service Victoria QR code reader on the Service Victoria app, which is available from Google Play and the App Store.
If you can’t use your phone to check-in but are with a friend or family member, you can check-in using their Service Victoria QR code app. To check-in through someone else’s Service Victoria app, the other person can select ‘add another’ on the Service Victoria app when checking-in and enter your contact details.
If you can’t check-in with the Service Victoria app, you must ask staff to check you in.
New South Wales
In NSW, you must check-in to certain venues and events when you enter. To scan check-in QR codes, you can download the Service NSW QR code app through the App Store or Google Play. With this app, you also have the option of checking-out when leaving a location. This is not compulsory, but it could help authorities determine whether you have been exposed to COVID-19 when contact tracing.
If you can’t scan QR codes, ask a staff member to check you in by adding your contact details to their Service NSW COVID Safe Check-in form.
As an alternative to phone apps and paper sign-in sheets, a COVID-19 check-in card is available in NSW. This is a physical card with a unique QR code that contains your registered contact details.
To check-in using a COVID-19 check-in card, you will need to have your card scanned by a staff member when you enter a COVID Safe business. If the business’ device can’t read your QR code, the staff member will enter your details manually into the Service NSW business online webform. To create a COVID-19 check-in card, click here.
Note: It is not mandatory for NSW businesses to have QR code scanners, so not all businesses will allow you to use a COVID-19 check-in card.
Queensland
In Queensland, you must use the Check In Qld app to check-in to most public places. This QR code reader app is available through the App Store and Google Play. You can also check-in additional people if your friends or family can’t check-in on their devices.
From 30 August 2021, checking-in with the Check In Qld app will be mandatory when using all taxis, rideshares, and limousines in Queensland.
If you can’t check-in with the app, staff must check you in.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, you must use the Check in TAS app when you visit a range of businesses, organisations, and events. The app is available through the App Store and Google Play.
You must also check-in when using taxis, rideshare services, and pre-booked public passenger services such as luxury or restricted hire vehicle services.
If you can’t use the app to check-in, people you are with can check-in for you on their app, or staff will be able to check you in on their electronic device or on paper.
Northern Territory
The NT has developed The Territory Check In app, which you must use to check-in to most places, businesses, organisations, community groups, venues, services, and activities in the NT. The app also lets you check-in your friends and family who can’t check-in on their own phone. It is available on the App Store and Google Play.
If you can’t use The Territory Check In app, you must manually check-in with staff, or on a paper form provided.
Western Australia
In WA, you must check-in to particular businesses and venues. You can use the SafeWA app to check-in. The app is available through the App Store and Google Play.
It is not mandatory to use the app, but if you can’t use the app and want to enter particular businesses or venues, you must check-in on a paper form.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, you must check-in with the Check In CBR app when entering all retail locations, transport services, events, and already restricted businesses. The app is available through the App Store and Google Play.
If your QR code scanner isn’t working, you can manually check-in on the app by typing a six-digit number located near the QR code on the poster.
If you can’t use the app to check-in, a friend or relative that has the app can check you in as a guest. You can also ask staff to check you in.
If you can’t use the Check In CBR app to check-in on public transport, you can use your registered MyWay card. If you don’t have a registered MyWay card, you can still travel on public transport but must keep good records of the transport services you used.
