The most recent announcement has shifted the rules to require all Victorian businesses to use the Victorian Government’s Service Victoria app – disallowing third-party software and platforms such as MrYum, CovidPass and SignOnSite.

A little over a week prior to the announcement made on 7 May, the Victorian Government has announced Victorian businesses, venues and facilities were required to use the Victorian Government QR Code Service or a digital system connected to the State Government’s software.

“This change means checking in will be quick and easy and ensure the data is high-quality and easily available to our contract tracers, should any venue be listed as an exposure site,” said the Minister for Health, Martin Foley, in a statement.

The Victorian Government reported that a recent survey revealed that 41 per cent of guests to hospitality venues in Victoria has used a QR code to check in every time. Simultaneously, 24 per cent of businesses visited by Authorised Officers had received warnings or received notices due to lack of compliance with electronic record keeping.

The government has said they will work with third-party providers that engaged with the Visitation API process to transition acquired data to the government.

The announcement came as density quotients were also lifted for small and medium-sized venues across the state to allow up to 200 people per space (such as a dining and band rooms) without any density limits – a major relief for Victoria’s hospitality sector and a positive step forward to decreasing quotients further.

As a condition of this latest relaxing of restrictions, businesses are required to have a COVID marshal on site to ensure that all guests are checking in to each space.

“Just one week ago, the State Government told us that QR systems that could communicate with the State QR system would be acceptable for the purposes of COVID-19 contact tracing. Today, the goal posts have shifted once again,” said Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra.

“Business needs certainty and this constant chopping and changing is making it difficult to keep up. Mandated State QR code systems work well in other states and we are confident it will work well here too, as well as making it quicker and easier for customers and clients but this process has been confusing and disorganised.”

The shift in rules to require a sole application comes in line to what other states have done around the country such as Service NSW, COVID SAfe Check-In and Check In Qld.

There is an extensive list on the Victorian Government’s Coronavirus website which details which businesses require guests to use the Check In system. Businesses are also required to make reasonable efforts to provide alternative record-keeping systems for people who do not have access to, or cannot use, a personal mobile. 

Help and support

The Victorian Chamber’s Policy and Advocacy Team is available to provide advice and assistance to members at policy@victorianchamber.com.au.

If you have any concerns or queries about your COVIDSafe plan or any health and safety concerns, speak to our Health, Safety and Wellbeing team on 03 8662 5196 or email hsw@victorianchamber.com.au.