The onset of COVID-19 has introduced many changes to our lives, one of which is the need to daily "scan in" to venues, restaurants and shops to record our details.
For some people, the need to scan QR Codees when out and about brings on a broad range of concerns from how we actually scan on our phones, what smart app do we need to use, all the way through to fears about our privacy and how the information is being used.
At Five Good Friends, we are committed to ensuring our Members and their families receive the help and support they need through the COVID-19 outbreak. So, we have provided you a few simple questions and answers to some of the queries our helpers and carers are receiving from you.
What App do I need to use?
Currently, there are a few different Apps available including the Australian Government COVIDSafe App. Some states including Queensland and Western Australia have developed their own state App. Our helpers and carers are always on hand to talk you through the Covid App you can use in your state and territory. To find out what is happening and the guidelines in your State visit https://www.australia.gov.au/app to locate the links.
Why do I need to use the App?
The App helps state and territory health officials to quickly identify and contact people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 (called ‘close contacts’).
Without the help of technology, finding close contacts relies on people being able to recall everyone they have been in close contact with and also knowing all their contact details.
In many cases, people won't know the names and contact details of everyone they’ve been in close contact with (for example, on public transport). COVIDSafe uses technology to make this process faster and more accurate.
State and territory health officials can only access app information if someone tests positive and agrees to the information in their phone being uploaded. The health officials can only use the app information to help alert those who may need to quarantine or get tested.
What if I don’t want to/or am not well enough to go out?
At Five Good Friends we are also offering new services to address specific situations and provide further peace of mind. These have been designed following recent feedback from our Members and their families. They are supported by additional protocols and guidelines for Helpers to follow.
The new services are:
- Contactless Shopping and Delivery
- Well-being check ins
- Telehelp – assisted Telehealth visits
Visit https://www.fivegoodfriends.com.au/contactless-reduced-contact for more information about these services.
What happens when a person is diagnosed with COVID-19?
When a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, Health Authorities in each State will conduct contact tracing.
Public health officers will assess the movements of the person with COVID-19 while they were infectious and determine who in the community are considered ‘close contacts’.
Information collected at the businesses about customers and staff will assist in identifying and contacting the relevant close contacts. This will assist public health officers to contain and respond to the spread of COVID-19 within the community. Use of the app will assist in the timely delivery of contact details to Queensland Health contact tracers (if required). The check-in app’s are free, easy-to-use and convenient.
What about my privacy?
Every State has a Department that is responsible for handling your personal information in accordance with the Information Privacy Act.
Before you download the app, you can find details about how your personal data will be used or disclosed by the department, including a link to more detailed privacy information, in the App store description.
Once you have downloaded the app, information about how the department collects, stores, uses and discloses your personal information can be found in the privacy policy which is also linked from the privacy policy section of the app.
These privacy notices will be kept up to date should changes occur.
What if I don’t want to use a certain app?
There are a couple of apps available with some States having their own. If you don’t use a certain State app, you must still provide your contact information by other means at businesses.
There are a variety of electronic methods businesses can use to adhere to the requirements. These could vary from QR codes, membership card scanning, online fillable forms, online bookings systems and digital spreadsheets.
A business may turn you away if you do not provide your contact details. Find out more details about the privacy information on the separate attachment.
What if I don’t have a phone?
Tell the venue staff immediately if you do not have a smartphone or have difficulties providing your information electronically. They can record your details for you or will have alternative measures in place to record your details.
Please let us know if you have any concerns about how to use the apps in your State. We need to balance keeping everyone safe, limiting the spread of COVID-19 with our desire to help you keep connected with your family and friends.
