'QR code check-ins 'should be mandatory': AHA's Anthony Brierley calls for tougher Canberra contact tracing stance

More than 30,000 people are using the Canberra check-in QR code daily after businesses were given an extra incentive to use the phone app earlier this month.

Those businesses using the app can increase their venue capacity and Acting Health Minister Chris Steel said it was critical to continuing scanning on entry in the wake of the northern beaches COVID-19 outbreak.

But Mr Brierley wants the government to go a step further and make it mandatory for customers to provide their detail.

"Contact tracing capability is being undermined by patrons refusing to provide their contact details," Mr Brierley said.

"These details are mandatory in NSW. If we are truly an island within NSW, then these details should be mandatory in the ACT.

"Patrons should be mandated to provide their contact tracing details when they enter a hospitality venue. This is our best defence against the virus. The government should be doing everything it can to ensure this protection mandatorily covers as many businesses and social settings as possible in order to keep Canberrans safe.

"Any suggestion that hospitality businesses should be turning away customers is insensitive to the ongoing financial peril wrought by the ACT's coronavirus restrictions."

Mr Steel said businesses could refuse entry to patrons who didn't check-in. Hundreds of businesses have taken up the increased capacity offer, with the purple app paraphernalia now a regular sight upon entry to most bars, cafes and institutions.

King O'Malley's manager Peter Barclay labelled the Check-in CBR app an "excellent system". He said it was easy-to-use and had great take-up among his patrons.

Signs have been put up at the pub's entrance, the bar and throughout the venue for customers to scan as they arrive, or buy a pint.

The app sends the data directly to ACT Health where it is stored and deleted after 28 days.

Mr Steel said it was the best way to identify a potential close contact of a COVID-19 case.

"Businesses have been cooperating brilliantly, " he said.

"Customers have the responsibility to check themselves in and make sure friends and family that are with them are checked in."

"We know how important, quick and effective this is to make sure we've got that contact tracing information so we can get in touch with you.

READ MORE:

NSW have followed suit in urging businesses to use one system, rather than a myriad alternative digital or manual options.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Wednesday hospitality venues and hairdressers would from January be obliged to use the government's QR code system.

"It's been apparent, that while we've allowed businesses to use alternative apps alternative QR codes, it's proving to be too frustrating for our contact tracers," Ms Berejiklian said.