New laws have been introduced to ensure businesses collect customer data so Plymouth businesses are being encouraged to promote the NHS track and trace app for COVID-19 that goes live later this week. All premises that have to collect customer data are being advised that the new app should simplify the data collection and make tracing potentially infected people much easier. Plymouth Public Health officers will be working with businesses across the coming days to help them comply.
Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health said:
“The new NHS app has been designed to make the process of data collection easier for both the customer and the business. Customers simply have to scan a QR code and in the unfortunate event that a person later tests positive for COVID-19, the system will use the app to warn others that they may have been in contact with an infected person.
“The system will provide them with information on where to seek help. And although it won’t name the venue, nor the person infected, it will help people to know when to self isolate and protect others from the virus.
“ With cases on the rise across Plymouth, we are keen that everyone takes part and remembers this virus threat is far from over. We still need to maintain good hygiene, with hand washing, face covering and keeping 2m apart. In some situations, people can forget, but this is a very real issue and we want to bring the numbers down.”
Premises that need to collect data are:
- hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
- tourism and leisure, including hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
- close contact services, including hairdressers, barbershops and tailors
- facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres for events, community centres, libraries and children’s centres
- places of worship, including use for events and other community activities
It does not apply to those premises where a service is supplied and goods are taken off site immediately, eg a food and drink outlet providing a takeaway.
Ruth continued: “Everyone has to take responsibility – it’s not just a disease that has disastrous consequences for older people or the vulnerable. That might be your mum, but it could be your son, your auntie or your friends.
“The virus can affect anyone and anyone can spread it, even without knowing. The more people that COVID-19 infects, the more disruption there will be, which affects every body. From education to employment, from going out to being forced into staying in, the consequences reach everyone in the community. So it’s time for us all to step up and do all we can to protect each other.”
Businesses will need to download their own unique QR code from the government website and display it near the entrance along with the poster telling visitors what to do.
You can get your individual venue QR code here.
And to find more help including instructional posters here.