Yesterday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presented his second Autumn Statement, but with a very different tone to the gloomy announcements made this time last year. The Chancellor announced initiatives with a massive focus on pushing growth in the economy. The main question you’ll all no doubt have is… “how does it affect me?”, let’s take a look…
Is your business ready for the NHS Test and Trace app?
22 September 2020
Gavin Hooker
COVID-19, Payroll, People
What is the Test & Trace app?
The NHS Test and Trace app not only allows you to check-in at businesses premises, but will also alert you if you’ve been near other app users who have tested positive for COVID-19 and help you check your symptoms or book a test.
The new app is an important part of the government’s programme to stop the spread of coronavirus. It is currently being trialled in a few locations in England and will be launched on Thursday 24 September in England and Wales.
What does my business need to do to prepare?
Businesses across England and Wales are being urged to ensure they have NHS QR code posters visible on entry so customers can use their smartphones to easily check-in.
These codes can be downloaded via a website to be displayed as posters on the business premises.
You should create and display a QR code if you are:
- A business, place of worship or community organisation with a physical location that is open to the public
- An event which is taking place in a physical location
If you have more than one venue, you need to create a separate QR code for each location. You can add multiple locations in the service.
When you apply for your QR code you will need to provide your email address so that the QR code can be sent to you, and the address of your business. If you have more than one venue, you will also need the address of each location, an email address and phone number for the manager (or point of contact) for each location.
What if I’m already using my own QR code system?
Businesses who are already using their own QR system are being encouraged to switch to the NHS Test & Trace QR code.
How does the app work?
When someone enters a venue and scans an official QR poster, the venue information will be logged on the user’s phone. This information will stay on a user’s phone for 21 days and if during that time a coronavirus outbreak is identified at a location, the venue ID in question will be sent to all devices.
The device will check if users have been at that location and if the app finds a match, users may get an alert with advice on what to do based on the level of risk.
What if the customer does not have a smartphone?
An alternative check-in method must be maintained to collect the contact details of those who do not have the app, for example a handwritten register.
Businesses should download the QR codes at gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster.
For more information on the NHS COVID-19 app, visit covid19.nhs.uk.
We are here to support your business, if you have any concerns please call us or email Mark or Andrew.
The content in this blog is correct as at 22/09/2020. See terms and conditions.
