NSW revamps COVID check-in app, unveils physical card


Checking into NSW venues and managing check-in histories will soon become easier thanks to software updates to the Service NSW app and a new physical COVID-19 check-in card.

NSW Digital and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said users of the app would soon be able to register for a COVID-19 check-in card which they could present to supermarkets and other essential retail businesses to scan as an alternative to checking in digitally or signing in via paper if they don’t have a smartphone.

“The days of seeking out somewhere to manually sign in with pen and paper should be an absolute last resort,” Mr Dominello said on Monday.

Citizens can download and print their COVID-19 check-in card or have a plastic card mailed to them.

Their contact details will be stored within the QR code, which will prepopulate the sign-in webform when scanned by the business.

Belgin Tran, program director of project delivery and enterprise change at Service NSW, said in a Q&A that it was “not mandatory for businesses to accept the COVID-19 check-in card”.

“However, it’s highly recommended to enable quick and easy electronic registration,” Ms Tran said.

In response to customer demand, Mr Dominello said that Service NSW was also rolling out two further enhancements to the Service NSW app.

The first will allow customers to review their check-out histories, enabling them to add check-out times if they either forget to check out or they checked into another venue before checking out. This will fix the issue that exists at present where the app doesn’t allow users to check out of venues if they have already checked into another one.

“It is critical our contact tracers have the most accurate information possible so they can act quickly to contact casual and close contacts, which is why we’re making it possible for customers to review their check-in history and enter the correct check out time after the fact,” Mr Dominello said 

The second feature will make it easier for customers to sign into the Service NSW app while wearing a mask.

“Customers will also be able to opt to extend their login period for the Service NSW app to up to 4 hours, making it faster and easier to check-in without having to re-enter a PIN or to remove their facemask to activate Face ID each time,” the minister said.

The additional features will be available inside the Service NSW app from mid-August.

Customers will be able to register for their COVID-19 check-in card via the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88 from August 13 and can opt to receive it via email to print at home, or via postal mail.

Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.

3 Comments
  1. Peter 3 years ago

    I got my check in QR card from service NSW by email today 13/08/21 and the instructions say to fold the card along the middle
    Why does it have to be folded ?

    can anyone explain this please

    • Rowan 3 years ago

      It means just fold it in half like a book, so the fold will be running from top to bottom to halve the width of the paper.

      You got it?, in a few days your plastic card will arrive and you can throw out your paper copy.

      I see what you mean it was poorly written instructions

  2. Kathryn Provan 3 years ago

    I prefer 2 use this card whenever I go into a shop.

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