Confirmation that Tasmania’s borders will be opened to New South Wales on Friday reinforces the need for a standardised system for registering customer details in hospitality, retail and other businesses.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the government needs to introduce a formal requirement for venues to record customer details and store them securely and privately in case they are required for contact tracing.
“While the government insists on maintaining restrictions on things like drinking while standing, it has failed to act on massive gaps in their ability to contact trace,” Ms White said.
“NSW has been widely regarded as the gold standard for contact tracing. They mandate the collection of customer information in a range of businesses and this information must be stored for at least 28 days.
“They use a standardised form, or a free QR code-based system that allows patrons to use their mobile phone to send their details directly to a contact tracing database, meaning venues don’t have to store records on site.
“This is vitally important because it ensures that any case of the virus results in a swift and accurate response to follow up anyone who might have been a close contact.
“Venues shouldn’t have to make it up as they go along. Clever, technology-based solutions are available and I urge the government to roll them out without further delay.”
Rebecca White
Labor Leader
