The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Victoria’s contact tracers have access to the information they need, fast, to keep Victorians safe.

The Labor Government’s free QR Code Service has been made available to all businesses, enabling contact tracers to immediately access the information they need in the event of an outbreak. However, many businesses are using private electronic record keeping systems that don’t connect seamlessly to the Government’s system.

This is a highly-infectious, rapidly changing virus. The need for fast and accurate contact information for people visiting known coronavirus public exposure sites has never been more vital.

That’s why the Government has developed the Victorian Government Visitation API – a piece of software that enables private QR codes to communicate directly with contact tracers.

From 27 March, all businesses using electronic record keeping – such as a QR code system – must use a system that seamlessly integrates with the Victorian Government contact tracing system to help contact tracers respond to outbreaks even faster.

The requirement will be mandated under new Chief Health Officer directions and will reduce the time it takes for the public health team to get the vital information from hours, down to minutes.

Businesses can still choose to keep records manually, but they must apply the four-square metre rule. The requirement to share information will only be activated in the event of a positive case of coronavirus being detected at a specific location.

The new measure will not only strengthen Victoria’s defences against coronavirus – it’s good for local businesses. In the event of a positive case, business owners will simply need to provide the name of their provider and contact tracers will instantly access the information they need – enabling them to quickly contain and suppress an outbreak.

Major providers of private QR codes used in Victoria were part of a co-design process to make sure both business operators and customers will have a positive experience.

The four-week grace period will give QR providers time to connect to the API, or allow businesses to switch to the free Victorian Government QR Code Service — coronavirus.vic.gov.au/qrcode.

Business owners and operators should ask their provider if they intend to comply or can check if their QR code provider has connected to the Government’s API by visiting coronavirus.vic.gov.au/visitationAPI.

Business Victoria will work closely with the business community to ensure relevant businesses are aware of their obligations. Businesses seeking more information can contact Business Victoria on 13 22 15.

All owners of commercial passenger vehicles (CPVs) will be required to have a QR code available for use by drivers and passengers which records the passenger’s first name, phone number, vehicle registration and the date/time.

A CPV-specific QR code is available for free from the Victorian Government coronavirus website  coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victorian-government-qr-code-service. A four-week grace period will give CPV owners time to comply with this new requirement.