The government of the Australian Capital Territory is working to introduce a new feature on its contact tracing app that automatically notifies users if they have been at a high-risk setting for COVID-19.

First launched in September 2020, the Check In CBR app is used by Canberrans aged 16 and above for entering various locations across the state. 

It logs in a user by scanning a QR code posted in public places, including public transport, venues, cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, and events. People's personal information is securely stored in the app and is only accessed by the state for contact tracing purposes.

Given its ease of use, tailored versions of the app have been adopted by Queensland, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.

WHY IT MATTERS

The ACT government has made the use of its contact tracing app non-compulsory as it relaxed check-in rules in public places. From 11 February, checking in will only be required at licensed bars and pubs, registered clubs, nightclubs, strip clubs and brothels, organised events that are not ticketed or pre-registered, including conferences, markets, music and cultural events, and schools and early childhood education and care.

This change, according to ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith, is being made as the state enters a new phase of pandemic response. The use of Check In CBR, albeit non-mandatory, will still support people at most risk of COVID-19 exposure while reducing requirements for businesses and venues. 

With an upcoming automated exposure notification function, the contact tracing app will "continue to be a critical tool in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19," the minister maintained. Still under technical work, the feature will be ready in the "next couple of weeks". 

THE LARGER CONTEXT

Since December, the ACT government has winded back on its contact tracing efforts to just focus on people at most risk of COVID-19 exposure as its system got overwhelmed with mounting cases due to the Omicron variant. It has also stopped publicising information about COVID-19 hotspots within the state. As of Monday, positive cases in the state continue to go on a downtrend with over 2,000 recorded active cases.