Contact Registers and Covid Safe Business Practices.

Contact Registers and Covid Safe Business Practices. What does this mean for your business?

Within the seven months of no contagious community transition in WA, we have been able to move reasonably free around our town and settle into a sequence of service without the threat of the virus. However, with the borders opening soon, this means it’s time for you and your staff to refresh and become vigilant about the current Covid restrictions that apply to your business.

From 5 December, particular WA venues and businesses will be required to maintain mandatory contact registers to support COVID-19 contact tracing. These records will ONLY be used for the purpose of contact tracing, should it be required, and will only be kept for 28 days. Businesses or venues required to keep a contact register include:

• Food and licenced venues (restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, taverns, nightclubs)

• Gyms, indoor sporting centres and pools

• Places of worship and funeral parlours

• Beauty and personal care services including hairdressers and barbers

• Galleries and museums

• Cinemas, theatres and other entertainment venues

• Auction houses and real estate inspections

• Community facilities, libraries and halls

• Zoos and amusement parks

• Function centres

• Accommodation facilities that already have check-in arrangements in place (i.e. hostels, hotels, large camp grounds)

The details required for the contact register will include the date, arrival time, names and telephone numbers.

Any person aged 16 years and over who attends a business, place or premises, listed above, including patrons, staff, volunteers and contractors will be required to register their contact details.

Records are not required to be collected for people collecting takeaway or children under 16 years.

To help make checking in to venues as easy as possible and reduce the burden on businesses, the Western Australian Government have released a free app, SafeWA.

SafeWA is a digital COVID-19 contact register system, which uses unique QR codes for venues that patrons can scan to register their attendance.

You can get the app now on Android or iPhone at https://safewa.health.wa.gov.au

The app is a free, easy, contactless solution, but it is not mandatory. Alternative formats for contact registers are available, including other electronic tools or a paper-based system, depending on what is suitable for the business, venue or individual.

This step to reintroduce contact registers was considered in consultation with industry and business to establish a long term strategy to keep our state safe, given the ongoing impact of the virus internationally.

More information on contact registers and the SafeWA app can be found at www.wa.gov.au/safewa

The 1 person per 2sqm rule is still enforceable and the the maximum penalty for this offence is imprisonment for 12 months or a fine of $50,00 and a fine of $5000 for each separate and further offence. If the offence is committed by a company, the maximum fine is increased to $250,000. An on-the-spot fine of $1000 may be issued (or $5000 for a company), instead of being prosecuted.

Businesses should ensure their COVID Safety Plans are updated and continue to be implemented, using the COVID Safety Guidelines. See here for industry specific Covid Safety Plans

Provide hand sanitiser at your premises and encourage staff and patrons to use it. Signs next to the gel stating ‘Please use sanitiser before entering’, promote more use.

Physical distancing in public is still necessary and we are being urged to re implement this if we have become a bit lax. Placing markers on the floor is a good way to remind customers of this.

Remember

– Keep 1.5 metres away from others wherever possible

– Avoid physical greetings such as handshaking, hugs and kisses

– Practise extra care if you are using public transport

– Avoid crowds – if you see a crowded space do not enter

– Practise good hygiene

– Stay at home if you have any cold or flu symptoms.

– Seek medical advice and get tested for COVID-19

Putting a sign on your door is a great way to help manage these regulations. State how many people are allowed in your business at a time per the 1 person per 2sqm rule, that your business is practicing social distancing and that your workplace is compliant with their Covid Safety Plan.

More Information

Up-to-date Information can be found here

See here for more information on changes to Western Australia’s border arrangements.