World News – AU – « It’s useless »: Government’s new virus QR code system comes under fire

The Victorian government has finally launched an important coronavirus defense tool after weeks of development, but not everyone is happy.

Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews unveiled the government’s new QR code service on Monday. Image: Paul Jeffers / NCA NewsWireSource: News Corp Australia

The Victorian government launched its QR code (Quick Response) check-in system on Monday after weeks of criticizing the lack of the contact tracing tool putting Victorians at risk.

And on the first day of the rollout, the Victorians are already citing problems. Lachlan Thomas, who lives in Melbourne, cannot register after several attempts.

« It’s such a simple form – your name, email address, phone, and a check mark, and that’s it – but there are still problems, » he said.

Mr. Thomas said he tried multiple times to register in multiple browsers, but the system was still not registering his information.

Then he called the support line specified in the online form and was told that the system was « probably overwhelmed » and « should try again later ». .

« It took the government months to develop a QR code system and when it was finally implemented it didn’t work – it’s useless – it’s like the COVIDSafe app. ”

After registering details online with the free QR code service, users can download, print and display a poster with the Victorian Government QR code on it at their company.

Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews announced that the government would launch its new QR code service on Monday. Image: Paul Jeffers / NCA NewsWireSource: News Corp Australia

For users with the latest smartphone software, a pop-up window will appear asking for a first name and a contact number.

Other users are directed to download the Service Victoria mobile app from the Apple or Google Play app stores to complete check-in.

The use of the QR code is mandatory for smaller restaurants with a density limit of one person per two square meters – up to 50 customers.

The opposition had put pressure on the Labor government in the weeks before. Liberal health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said the delay in introducing a QR system for Victorian businesses was « hopeless ». .

Secretary of State for Government Services Danny Pearson assured Victorian business owners that the QR code service is safe to use.

« With our QR code service, visitors can easily keep records of visitors so that business owners have more time to support their employees and customers, » he said.

All data collected is securely stored and deleted after 28 days, unless the Department of Health and Human Services specifically requests it for contact tracing.

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QR code, Victoria state government, system