Déjà vu in Melbourne? Please let it not escalate.

[countessalmirena]

We don't know yet exactly what sort of lockdown it will be.

We don't know yet exactly how severe it will be, what things will be further restricted.

We don't know yet exactly how long the lockdown will be imposed.

But we know that there will be a lockdown.

I'm so disheartened by the fact that this was preventable. What possessed case number 5 (the case who contracted COVID-19 from the Wollert cluster (via a missing link, probably?) to ignore his symptoms for more than 4 days? What possessed him to go out and about while symptomatic? Was he wearing a mask? (I'll take a wild stab at it and say no, he probably wasn't.) Was he socially distancing? (Clearly not.)

Taken in conjunction with the general complacency and vaccine reluctance, the discarding of masks in public transport, the lack of enforcement (with police chiefs being - in my view - a bit ridiculous in scoffing at the task of enforcing health directives), the surging together of people  much closer than 1.5 metres when we know - surely we call know! - that this pandemic is far from over, and the number of people who are shaking hands and kissing and hugging... it's making my heart sink like a concrete boot.

I skipped wearing a mask twice recently, I admit. I had it with me, but I popped into the bank and thought it would be a good idea not to obscure my face for security reasons. I also went to a supermarket for one item, late at night just before it closed. It was not wise. Oh! And one more time... at the Melbourne Recital Centre while enjoying a fabulous concert. Every other time, yes, I've masked up. But now I feel foolish, and I won't be making any exceptions.

Stupid-decision-making people could be walking around in any part of Melbourne or indeed Victoria, refusing to be tested, brushing off their symptoms, scoffing at the notion of wearing a mask or sanitising their hands.

And more political point-scoring is being launched as well. I've no patience for it; we need to be working together to resolve these problems, and stamp out this outbreak. Ironically it is because we as a country have been doing so well that the complacent behaviour has crept back.

Fellow Melbournians and Victorians, we just have to be strong, and let's do our best to reiterate that the hygiene behaviours (    and unfortunately now (probably) as well) MUST be followed until Australia has achieved herd immunity - and even after that, we should at the very least maintain hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

Let's try to lead the world into effective long-term behaviour change.

And God help us all as we enter into whatever lockdown hell lies before us. *virtual hug* - because that's the only sort I can give you.

[domino-710]

From my understanding - you NEED - a phone connected to the internet.

Mine never has - never will be.

I fill out the physical form.

No scanning here. 

[*stuff*books*]

I can download the App at home via the Wifi here but once I leave home I don't have Internet and if it doesn't scan correctly I can't go to the App to get it to show that way so another flaw in the system?

Most places have a board thing that has a QR code check in on it so I presume they have to use Wifi to register with the App and I can't do that.

I know in clubs they have a manual check in as well which I've used but I've never seen one at the supermarkets.

[imastawka]

You must have a mobile plan of some sort - even a pre-paid one.

A phone won't work without one.

If you can download an app, then your phone is not a dinosaur.

That's why you turn on your 'mobile data' to scan the QR code, and enter your details.

Just don't forget to turn it off again though.

[eol-products]

Once the app is installed you open the app when you approach and just point the camera and after your first use all details have been saved and you keep walking.  I am sure most states also allow you to include dependants or some travelling with you so really is simple and quick to use.

Unfortunately I use an iphone4 which does not work and most places do not have any other way to sign in easily. The other day my mum was turned away from a cafe and told to buy a smart phone.  

[*stuff*books*]

I use Wifi on the phone when I'm home as that costs me nothing and use it for my Fitbit as that's the only time it can sync to the phone as it connects to the home Modem.

When I'm away from home I don't have or use Wifi.

My phone is an iPhone 8 so certainly capable but because of the plan I'm on from ten plus years ago it uses to much of the pre paid if I turn Wifi on when away from home.

I did over $10 in a few minutes once when I first got this phone a few years ago as it was trying to find Wifi.

It's only used as an emergency phone and for text messages and the Fitbit.

I'll have to stick with the manual sign in books if they have them and take my own pen.

[imastawka]

Mobile data is different to Wifi.

Wifi is roaming, looking for an internet connection.  Mobile data connects with a local mobile network (tower)

An explanation and more understanding here -

Understanding Wi-Fi and Mobile Data - Telstra CrowdSupport - 794633

[*stuff*books*]

I  have never had any mobile data as it was never included in my plan so I only use the Wifi at home.

My plan is supposed to be recharge every 6 months but that mucked up so it's good until 2031 as long as I leave an amount on it which this year has been just over $15

[imastawka]

*sigh

You really don't understand either me or your phone.

Have it your way.

[countessalmirena]

Dr StrangeCodes, or, How I Learned To Check-In And Love the QR Codes in Victoria

New Fine For Businesses Flouting QR Code Requirements

❝Victorian businesses found intentionally flouting the Chief Health Officer’s rules – such as the requirement to use QR Code systems – will be slapped with a new $1,652 on-the-spot fine.

Venues and facilities are required to maintain an electronic record-keeping system for all visitors – which is critical for ensuring quick contact tracing in the event of a new coronavirus case, as we have seen this week.❞

For businesses: The set-up for QR codes is very easy. New locations can be added as required; the QR code can be printed or it can be displayed on an iPad etc.

For clients/patrons/buyers: The app Service Victoria needs to be downloaded from the App Store. (It's free.) The user opens the Service Victoria app, selects the "Checking in" button on the page that appears, points the phone at the QR code, and then enters first name, last name, and phone number. (These will be saved so that the user doesn't have to type in the same details when checking in to either a different venue or the same venue later.)

The user completes the check-in by clicking on to the orange button that says "Check-in to this location".

If the user has trouble with his/her phone reading the QR code, the Service Victoria app also has a link for manually checking in via the app. The user enters a unique six-character location code that is displayed on the QR code page in lieu of the phone camera processing the QR code.

Obviously if the user doesn't have a data connection on their phone, it's less straightforward. Some people may be able to turn on WI-FI to log on to the shopping centre's/venue's/shop's free Wi-Fi if that is available. In some areas, it's quite possible that the user is unable to get any sort of mobile broadband connection or Wi-Fi connection. Some people will not be able to use the Service Victoria app at all, for whatever reason it may be.

In those cases where the digital QR code checking in is not an option, the venue must offer appropriate alternatives. It is not permitted for a shop/venue/etc to fail to provide options for people who don't have mobile phones or can't use their phones to check in. I quote (from Record keeping for contact tracing - information for business, on the Coronavirus VIC website):

❝Venues must make reasonable efforts to ensure that visitors can use a compliant recordkeeping system even where a visitor cannot access the system on their own device for some reason (for example, they do not have a mobile phone). This could include making a terminal (for example, an iPad or tablet) available for customers to sign in, or staff assisting the customer to sign in. In exceptional circumstances where such an approach is not practicable, an alternative record-keeping approach (including a non-electronic approach) must be used as a back-up.❞

(Rubrication mine.)

The business is easily able to print sheets designed to capture the appropriate information. Again, I quote ❝If you can’t register someone’s attendance via QR code, write down their contact name, phone number, time and date of visit and retain for 28 days. Download a visitor and patron contact tracing log template.❞

Having your own pen handy is always a good idea. It's also a good idea to have a packet of alcohol wipes with you, in case you are checking in on an iPad or similar by using a stylus to write down your information. You'll want to wipe the screen with an alcohol wipe, as well as the stylus. The store may well have alcohol wipes there, but I don't take the chance; I have some with me, as well as a small spray bottle of  70% alcohol hand sanitiser.

If you want to be fully equipped with the evidence that the venue MUST provide an alternative method for checking in, print out the appropriate screenshot showing the quotation and the link, and have them in your pocket or bag, ready to flourish at any business that contravenes these directions.

[imastawka]

‘Critical’ lack of Covid vaccine supply in Melbourne forcing GPs to turn people away (msn.com)