Use of QR codes for COVID-19 contact tracing in Australia

[dk4]

I just don’t get places like Bunnings not having it.

I think it is to do with definitions around "casual" and "close" contacts.

Every state seems to do different things, but generalising, I think - 15 minutes in the same spot makes you a casual contact, and 2 hours in the same spot makes you a close contact. (The more neurotic the state leader, the less time involved in those definitions.)

The definitions effect what directions are given if a venue alert is issued, I think, again generally - casual contacts must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received (up to 72 hours), but close contacts must get tested and quarantine for 2 weeks regardless of test results.

The problem with some places/venues/stores (and I am not suggesting or singling out Officeworks, as mentioned above) is that they are data harvesting, using private companies, for reasons other than contact tracing

 

[dajop]

Not to mention each state having its own unique QR code scanning system for contact tracing, because why have one national system when you can have 7 unique and disparate ways to collect the same data in different states right?

Maybe, a national system built onto the dead in the water COVID SAFE app could help reduce the immediate enthusiasm to slam borders shut in 7 of the 8 jurisdictions? This way there could be a much higher degree of automatic contact tracing, and the nation could act as one two in trying to shutdown clusters.

But that would be too much for privacy and human rights advocates (not to mention conspiracy theorists), and thus I'm afraid the price to pay for privacy is rapid border closures.

 

[jb747]

I think it is to do with definitions around "casual" and "close" contacts.

I'm sure it is, but then some supermarkets and butchers have been venues where it was passed on. I've have thought that if you're going to do it, then it should be everywhere, and easy to use. Of course nothing about this entire event has passed either of those two tests.

The problem with some places/venues/stores (and I am not suggesting or singling out Officeworks, as mentioned above) is that they are data harvesting, using private companies, for reasons other than contact tracing

Officeworks was the official Victorian app.

I no longer use any QR codes that aren't from the state itself. Not only data mining, but invariably a PITA.

Maybe, a national system built onto the dead in the water COVID SAFE app could help reduce the immediate enthusiasm to slam borders shut in 7 of the 8 jurisdictions? This way there could be a much higher degree of automatic contact tracing, and the nation could act as one two in trying to shutdown clusters.

The enthusiasm seems to know few bounds. We're waiting, with baited breath, to see just how long it takes the local overlord to get rid of the roadblocks. Either that, or we'll have to start reacting to having the police continually saying "Ihre Papiere, bitte!"

 

[Lynda2475]

I just wish everyone would use the ACT system (or similar), which is the "Check in CBR" app. All businesses in the ACT use it, and it's so easy to use. You scan the QR code, which opens the App, and all you have to do then is press the "check in" button.

Having used both the Canberra and Servrice NSW app - i see no real difference. Following initial sign up both required a QR scan, then click of one button to check-in. NSW then requires one click to then check out (optional but wise to do).

NSW app works best if you open it first then scan, there is extra click involved if you open camera first then scan, and redirect to the app.

I havent seen a non Service NSW QR code in NSW venue since before December exceprt in Byron Bay.

some supermarkets and butchers have been venues where it was passed on. I've have thought that if you're going to do it, then it should be everywhere, and easy to use.

Agree outside of the home and pubs/clubs/gaming rooms the next most common exposure site is supermarkets. It shoudl be mandatory for all stores to have sate issued QR codes, its not like its costs businesses anything other than 10 minutes of their time to register for a code and a couple sheets of paper to print out and stick on the wall, windows.

I find it interesting that Coles and IGA use Services NSW QR codes, but Woolworths have an overly complicated web page (trying to get your data) and Aldi offers no QR code at all.

 

[dajop]

For reference, attached is the type of contact tracing app I'm used to ... a bit scary the level of detail, but I wouldn't be using it if I was doing anything wrong and besides, between Ms Apple and Mr Google, they'd know a fair bit of this anyway

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Just a tangential question:

If say a positive case could not remember their movements, but was a strict user of the government QR app, could the positive case’s Mobile number be used to open their contact tracing venues visited?

Apparently that was a benefit of the dead COVIDSafe app - Using a key of the positive case to unlock close contact information

 

[Lynda2475]

When you use the Service NSW app to check in, the venue details, date, time and your name, mobile, email get sent to a NSW Health database for 60 days (along with check out details if you remember to).

So yes the contract tracers can query that database using the positive persons mobile number to see where they have been during a date range, and who else was there at the same time. They dont need to wait for the venue to supply information other than any manual sign-ins (which if it is a hospitality venue there shouldnt be any, as they have been required to use digital means ever since the Service NSW QR app became mandatory).

Two weeks ago Dr Chant stated, once they know a positive case has been to a venue they can send close contacts an SMS advice to test and isolate within minutes, then follow up with a phone calls (which take longer).

The QR system is better than Covid Safe as its mandatory (onus on venues to ensure patrons check in) and isnt reliant on strangers phones establishing a blue tooth connection to each other.

 

[Seat0B]

I no longer use any QR codes that aren't from the state itself. Not only data mining, but invariably a PITA.

Totally agree. Since being forced to use some commercial codes and log ins before the state ones were mandated, I now receive up to 5 spam, phishing and marketing calls a day on my mobile. Before COVID, I had fortunately never experienced this. It is very annoying.

 

[Pushka]

Our CHO has created furore, and likely bred non compliance now, when she dared to say she wanted to QR check in to remain permanently once this pandemic was over, as climate change would create more pandemics. It has brought out the anarchist in me, and others. We have to scan - everywhere, even at takeout counters where you dont go into a store, or at counters in malls.

Post automatically merged: Feb 3, 2021

Totally agree. Since being forced to use some commercial codes and log ins before the state ones were mandated, I now receive up to 5 spam, phishing and marketing calls a day on my mobile. Before COVID, I had fortunately never experienced this. It is very annoying.

Now you mention it, it's the same with me.

 

[blackcat20]

Don't think many people would agree to permanent check ins.

 

[VPS]

Permanent check ins don't bother me

 

[Pushka]

Permanent check ins don't bother me

I’m happy to do this while this is a demonstrated need. After then - it’s plain and simple bureaucratic monitoring of movements. Not that I go anywhere exciting but there is no need for anyone to be tracked like that.

 

[Lynda2475]

I’m happy to do this while this is a demonstrated need. After then - it’s plain and simple bureaucratic monitoring of movements. Not that I go anywhere exciting but there is no need for anyone to be tracked like that

Doesnt particularly bother me ongoing, government/ASIO can already subpoena data of where you have been from banks using credit card spend and telcos from mobile phone tower connections. Many many years ago I worked on a project re handing over mobile cell connection data to law enforcement.

 

[Pushka]

Doesnt particularly bother me ongoing, government/ASIO can already subpoena data of where you have been from banks using credit card spend and telcos from mobile phone tower connections. Many many years ago I worked on a project re handing over mobile cell connection data to law enforcement.

Im fine with that. If there’s a subpoena in place it suggests I’ve been involved with things I shouldn’t be. Just don’t want the scan process to continue when I’m just going about daily business. Most days I’m having to scan around a dozen times. I’m over it.

 

[Lynda2475]

Most days I’m having to scan around a dozen times. I’m over it.

You must be out and about a lot more than me - dont think ove ever exceeded 5 in one day.

 

[OZDUCK]

Regardless of what else he did or didn't do, the Security Guard at the centre of the current lockdown in WA was apparently very diligent with his use of the QR app. and this has greatly helped to trace his movements.

 

[oz_mark]

Doesnt particularly bother me ongoing, government/ASIO can already subpoena data of where you have been from banks using credit card spend and telcos from mobile phone tower connections. Many many years ago I worked on a project re handing over mobile cell connection data to law enforcement.

The could just ask Google where i've been.

(Although sometimes Google says I've been somewhere when I've only passed by)

 

[dajop]

Our CHO has created furore, and likely bred non compliance now, when she dared to say she wanted to QR check in to remain permanently once this pandemic was over, as climate change would create more pandemics. I

I'm all for the infrastructure to remain permanently (and evolved over time too, as technology evolves), but surely there's not a need for the requirement to use it to remain?

 

[Pushka]

You must be out and about a lot more than me - dont think ove ever exceeded 5 in one day.

It doesn't help that even at takeaway counters in malls we have to scan. So for example, say yesterday. Petrol station Scan. Bunnings Scan. Go To local mall. Coles Scan. Wooiles. Scan. KMart scan. Bed bath and table. Scan. Bookstore. Scan. Takeaway coffee. Scan. Chemist. Scan. Thats nine scans all within a two hour period. Every shop, office, petrol station, takeaway bar etc is to be scanned in as they each have their own unique QR codes.

 

[Mattg]

It doesn't help that even at takeaway counters in malls we have to scan. So for example, say yesterday. Petrol station Scan. Bunnings Scan. Go To local mall. Coles Scan. Wooiles. Scan. KMart scan. Bed bath and table. Scan. Bookstore. Scan. Takeaway coffee. Scan. Chemist. Scan. Thats nine scans all within a two hour period. Every shop, office, petrol station, takeaway bar etc is to be scanned in as they each have their own unique QR codes.

I haven't generally been scanning when going into Coles/Woolworths or getting takeaway coffee. If sitting down to eat/drink somewhere, yes, but not for takeaway. Am I supposed to?