All You Need To Know About QR Code Corona In The UK

The QR codes have so many advantages for everyday use. This has made them the ultimate weapon in the battle against the virus. The authorities took advantage of the benefits and introduced QR codes and applications to the public. The QR code will replace the need for manually entering personal data into a form.

Back in August, the launching of this state of the art app was announced. This contact tracking app was meant to make the managing of the pandemic much easier. Each user will scan QR codes when entering different venues. Each user will get notified if they have been close to a confirmed coronavirus case.


The app is expected to widen its possibilities and deliver test results to its users. This would enable aces to information in real-time. The app will also let you know about how many times you were close to people less than the needed distance. It will help you identify and avoid this type of behaviour.


Why do we need QR code corona?

The QR codes, together with the NHS COVID-19 app, are a convenient tool for tracking down contacts. Everyone can download the app in the Google Play or Apple App Store for free. The primary purpose of scanning QR codes is to keep track of the customers and staff, present at the venue at a given time.


The app stores info about the time of visit and proximity to other users. If a person gets tested positive, the app will notify everyone present at the venue at that given time. Instead of having to fill forms before entering, customers can simply scan the QR code. This procedure will save lots of time and make the process more straightforward.


However, the functionalities aren’t only limited to following the contacts. The app will notify you if there is increased risk in the area where you live. Also, you can get check if your symptoms are typical to COVID-19 and guides you to take a test. Users will also keep track of their self-isolation periods and have aces to helpful advice for overcoming the situation.


Obligation for businesses

The authorities introduced businesses to a whole range of precautionary measures to proceed with their operations during the pandemic. Each venue that provides close contact service or generates a large number of people is obligated to get customer log information.


QR codes are a must for every business that includes interaction with people. Starting from 24 September, companies should have the QR poster visible for customers, staff, and visitors. They have the legal requirement to get information from the customers that visit the venue. This information would play a crucial role in tracking the contacts and isolation of suspicious individuals when there is a confirmed case.


Businesses such as hairdressers, restaurants, bars, and cinemas are obligated to have the QR code visible for customers when entering. The customers can scan this code with their smartphone. They don’t need to complete the customer log if they have already scanned the QR code.


Every business should register for a QR code, respectively. Even if your business operations don’t require gathering information, implement the QR codes if there is a risk. Obtaining your code is simple, so visit the official government site to find out more about the procedure. What happens when a business fails to comply? You can face a penalty that ranges from £1,000 to £10,000.



The benefits of using QR code for business


  • You are protecting the people included in your business. The customers and staff will feel safer and more secure knowing that they will get notified if they have been in contact with a confirmed case.
  • Tracking contacts will slow down the spread of the virus. Scanning QR codes with the help of an app makes it easy for local authorities to track and isolate suspicious contacts.
  • We all have the responsibility to act in the situation. Life will get back to normal sooner when there is an efficient system to slow the spread. This means that the customers will proceed with their usual habits, leaving no more space for loses in the business sector. Tracking down the contacts will reduce the need for lockdowns and save the economy.



Who needs to display QR codes?


Displaying QR codes on the entrance is obligatory fr specific businesses in the UK. You might not be sure whether your business falls in this category. To make it more clear, here is the list of business operations that require QR codes:

  • Pubs, cafes, bars, and restaurants. These places tend to have high traffic flow, so tracking down the contacts would be impossible without using a convenient app.
  • Hairstylists, beauty technicians, barbers, and other professions that have close contact with people.
  • Entertainment venues such as museums, enclosed parks, casinos, libraries, and cinemas.
  • Tourism venues such as hotels, including other types of accommodation.
  • Places of worship those host events.
  • Any type for a mobile business that provides services with close contact.


If you have more than one separated indoor space in your venue, you need to attach a QR code for each. To make sure that you comply, check the official government site for the rules. Keep in mind that the situation with the pandemic can change, so track the updates.


Are you still obligated to provide an option for manual customer log?

The answer is yes. Keep in mind that not everyone uses a smartphone. Or, some customers might not want to use the app. Always have the customer log option available at your venue. Customers and staff can pick whether they wish to log manually or use their smartphone to scan the code. They aren’t required to do them both.  The customer log should request name, contact phone, date of visit, hours of arrival and departure from the venue. If there is a group of people, you can take information only from one member.


Businesses excluded from the obligation

  • Retailers don’t have to put up posters with QR codes. The people circulate through the venue and don’t have close contact. However, the obligation for wearing masks in enclosed spaces remains.
  • Offices are only required to have QR codes visible when lots of people congregate.
  • Hospitals aren’t required to put up posters. However, there is one exception. If there is a cafe in the hospital, it is necessary for everyone to scan the QR code before entering.
  • Schools and universities are not obligated to have QR codes. But, they can do this when there are large events.


How to handle the information provided?

Gathering personal data is subject to GDPR. Every business is responsible for keeping the information for 21 days. After this period has expired, you need to dispose of the personal data appropriately. Disposing of the delicate information the wrong way means that it can fall into the wrong hands. Make sure to delete the files permanently to avoid misuse. For paper documents with customer log, use a paper shredder to destroy them. Also, it is essential to train the staff and teach them what they can and can’t do with the collected information.