Is your business ready for the NHS COVID-19 App?

Date Added: 21/09/2020

Businesses across England and Wales like pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas are being urged to ensure they have NHS QR code posters visible on entry so customers who have downloaded the new NHS COVID-19 app can use their smartphones to easily check-in.

The move comes ahead of a national launch of the NHS COVID-19 app across England and Wales on Thursday 24 September.

Following the launch of the new COVID-19 app, customers and visitors in England will be able to check-in on entry with their phone instead of filling out a check-in book or tool specific to a business. This will allow NHS Test and Trace to contact customers with public health advice should there be a COVID-19 outbreak.

In England, using QR codes will help businesses meet the new legal requirement to record the contact details of customers, visitors and staff on their premises.

With coronavirus cases rising in the UK in the last few weeks it is essential businesses capitalise on the benefits QR codes can bring to protect themselves and their customers.

Businesses who are already using their own QR system are being encouraged to switch to the NHS Test and Trace QR code. An alternative check-in method must be maintained to collect the contact details of those who don’t have the app, for example a handwritten register.

Ongoing trials in Newham, on the Isle of Wight and with NHS Volunteer Responders show the app is highly effective when used alongside traditional contact tracing to identify contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus.
Businesses should download the QR codes at gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster.

Read more covid19.nhs.uk.

Food project conquers COVID concerns

Despite the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the sector, food and drink manufacturers in Central Bedfordshire have seen no interruption to the wide range of free support available to them via FEAST2 – the Food Enterprise Advisory Support Team.

The scheme, which offers access to funding, sector events, technical advice and mentoring to eligible businesses, has not only continued to assist companies throughout the crisis with it usual package of support measures, but has also introduced a series of webinars aimed at providing vital information to help tackle the additional issues raised by the lockdown restrictions.

Among those to benefit from the project is Dunstable-based soft drinks company Theodore Global and its Managing Director, Janet Theodore, says that attending the webinars and the further technical and business support they have received has been invaluable.

Your views sought on council’s economic strategy

Central Bedfordshire Council is developing an economic strategy that recognises the short-term impacts of COVID-19 but focuses on the longer-term direction for the local economy and wants residents and local businesses to help it shape the strategy.

Cllr Kevin Collins, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration said: ‘Along with our Sustainability Plan, the new strategy is an important pillar to support our Vision for Central Bedfordshire.

“We want an economy that is based on seizing opportunities for all, led by a green recovery. So we want to hear your views on how you think we can do that.

“Your views whether as individual, a local business or local organisation are important to us. So please take the time to complete our survey.”

Is your business ready for the NHS COVID-19 App?