NHS test & trace app - information for businesses 

Who does this affect?

On Friday 18 September, the Government announced that certain venues are legally required to display NHS QR posters by 24 September. This includes all venues from the following sectors:

• hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
• tourism and leisure, including gyms, swimming pools, hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks 
• close contact services, including hairdressers, *facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres (for events), libraries and children's centres.

The Government is also urging places of worship to also display a personalised QR code poster, even though there is not a legal requirement for them to do so.
 

This affects me, what do I need to do?

If you run a business or venue on the list above, you will need to create a personalised QR code poster, through the Government's website. This is really easy to do, by visiting the Government's website We would also urge you to visit  the NHS website where you can access an explainer pack, posters and tips.

Your personalised poster shouldbe displayed at entry points, so that customers who have downloaded the NHS COVID-19 app can use their smartphones to easily check-in. This will help trace and stop the spread of coronavirus, allowing NHS Test and Trace to contact customers with public health advice should there be a COVID-19 outbreak.

Using QR codes will help businesses meet the new legal requirement to record the contact details of customers, visitors and staff on their premises.

Where someone doesn't have the app, customers will need to provide you with their name and contact number of the lead member of their group (which must not exceed six). This should also include the date of their visit, arrival time and where possible, their departure time.

Further details can be found on the Government's website.
 

What will the app do?

The app allows people to report symptoms, order a coronavirus test, check in to venues by scanning a QR code, and it helps the NHS trace individuals that may have coronavirus.

The app will help the NHS understand if the virus is spreading in a particular area, so local authorities can respond quickly to stop it spreading further and save lives.

The app does this, while protecting a user's anonymity. Nobody, including the government, will know who or where a particular user is. Instead, someone's postcode district (the first part of a postcode) helps the app work out where the virus is spreading.

The app helps trace app users who have spent time near other app users, who they may not personally know, and who later test positive for coronavirus. The 'Check-in' feature supports this functionality by anonymously alerting users who have been at the same venue at the same time.

Without a vaccine or treatment, we all need to do all we can to help stop the spread of coronavirus. The new app is an important part of the Government's programme. By downloading and using the app, you'll be helping to protect those around you - friends, family, colleagues and local communities. The Government will be issuing lots more information about this over the coming days, so please watch out for this.

We hope this provides you with everything you need to get started, but if you need any further advice and support, please contact us at healthprotection@chichester.gov.uk