Being denied entry because you dont have the track and trace app?

[Rudolphian]

I haven't downloaded the app due to personal reasons.
I have started hearing stories about people being denied entry to pubs/ restaurants and cafes because they havent got the app.
Is this true?
Now I'm wondering what I'd do if it came into work, or if I'm told its compulsory to have to go to the supermarket?
Pretty sure its not a legal requirement yet.

It only knows if you've been in contact with another phone long enough, so that if the other phone enters a positive code, you get notified. There's a points system regarding how close you've been and for how long, and only if it gets above a certain level, does it notify you. That's better than the manual tracking of names that some restaurants do that only takes entry times and not exit times, so they have no idea whether you've overlapped at all.

Which is why I'm using it. It's been freaking me out giving my name and number. Because no-one is logging the time of arrival and leaving. And I've been really worried that I'd end up isolating because someone who was in the cafe or restaurant long after I left, had covid.
It seemed insane that they were being no more detailed than taking the names of people in places on the same day.

The app will at least only let me know if I have definitely been in a place at the same time as someone with covid, and near enough to them to possibly get it. I can now start going in big pubs again, without worrying that I might have to isolate even though the infected person could have been 60 feet away or more, in an entirely different area.

The local restaurant we use take your name and phone number with your order so no one is left queuing while you give your details.

Have been out Friday and Saturday this weekend to various pubs. The majority had staff waiting to stop people at the door and insist that we download the app. I did so but have since deleted it. Will likely download again this coming weekend when I'm out.

Think I'd rather go eat/drink at a place that does enforce no app no entry tbh, people who are compliant with the app are more likely to be compliant about social distancing etc whereas the small minority who give false names etc or think it's a hoax will 'vote with their feet' and go someplace else

It's not compatible with my phone (older iPhone) I've been allowed to leave details manually

@Carrotgirl87

Think I'd rather go eat/drink at a place that does enforce no app no entry tbh, people who are compliant with the app are more likely to be compliant about social distancing etc whereas the small minority who give false names etc or think it's a hoax will 'vote with their feet' and go someplace else

I have followed all Covid rules throughout. I never give false names and don’t think Covid is a hoax. I won’t go anywhere where the app is mandatory for entry.

I don’t have the app and have eaten out twice this weekend. Neither required the app.

I'm nearly 70 and have an iPhone 11 and an iPad and I am quite capable of using technology and I don't get called the Apple Mac queen for nothing - I resent the assumption that we aren't capable of using track and trace because we're too old, slowing down, cognitively impaired. I taught myself. Don't tar us all with the same brush

It's not an issue for me and unlike some of my younger friends, I will do everything that I have to do to reduce the spread of this deadly virus.

I have to say, if safety is paramount and you want to stop Covid, the best thing to do is avoid any crowded place indoors, aka pubs and restaurants.
So staying away from these places altogether is best anyway....

I did pause for a second as I dislike being told to use an app. But it’s dc’s favourite place and I want them to enjoy stuff. Plus it’s for the general good I suppose.

Before the app we just filled out a contact form at the table

Now details have to be given at the door.

@Sundaypolodog

I'm nearly 70 and have an iPhone 11 and an iPad and I am quite capable of using technology and I don't get called the Apple Mac queen for nothing - I resent the assumption that we aren't capable of using track and trace because we're too old, slowing down, cognitively impaired. I taught myself. Don't tar us all with the same brush

It's not an issue for me and unlike some of my younger friends, I will do everything that I have to do to reduce the spread of this deadly virus.

I’m 35 and sadly can’t afford all of those things you mention. I have an iPhone 6 which I cannot afford to upgrade, especially now I’ve lost my job due to Covid.

@Carrotgirl87 but my phone is too old for the app. Happy to leave my details another way. I would totally support businesses upholding the regulations by turning away anyone unwilling to give their details but that is not me. I just don't happen to have ££ to spend on a new phone when my iPhone 6 works fine.

I understand private businesses can decide who they serve etc but turning people away when they are 3/4 empty just because they have 'old' phones and won't take their details another way seems a bit mad.

@SoUtterlyGroundDown completely your choice, and you have every right to choose that.

My choice to go somewhere that has 100% compliant customers, instead of somewhere with 40% compliant, 20% don't care 10% COVID is a hoax 10% app is for spying 10% lock up the old 10% you can't tell me what to do.

@KnightsofColumbusThatHurt

I went to a cafe yesterday and none of us had the app so we just pretended we had done it and no one checked. My phone doesn't even have a QR scanner and I haven't got round to downloading that. I provably will get the app at some point soon I guess, I'm a little bit hesitant I don't really know why!

But you left your contact details nonetheless yes?

@BewilderedDoughnut

Before the app we just filled out a contact form at the table

Now details have to be given at the door.

I suppose it’s for greater compliance.

That's a bizarre stretch, Carrotgirl. I might as easily proclaim that people who have bang up to date iPhones are more likely to be selfish twats who don't care about the planet or other people and are therefore more likely to be selfish about passing it on to other people!

How does having an older phone (either through poverty, being careful with money or caring about the environment) make you more likely to be ignoring the restrictions? It doesn't.

Honestly, I'm not going in a pub, cafe or restaurant anyway, because I've decided that the people who do are more likely to have it (or be less careful) than those who don't.

I resent the assumption that we aren't capable of using track and trace because we're too old
That's not the assumption. The assumption is that fewer people in the older age brackets have a smartphone, and of those who do, more are using older smartphones. Here are some statistics backing that up. On average, refusing entry to non-app users discriminates against the elderly and those who cannot afford a very modern smartphone.

[quote Carrotgirl87]@SoUtterlyGroundDown completely your choice, and you have every right to choose that.

My choice to go somewhere that has 100% compliant customers, instead of somewhere with 40% compliant, 20% don't care 10% COVID is a hoax 10% app is for spying 10% lock up the old 10% you can't tell me what to do. [/quote]
As I’ve seen quite a few people say they’ve downloaded it for a night out then deleted it straight after, I wouldn’t assume people frequenting a place that requires the app are ‘100% compliant’.

@Danglingmod because the Bluetooth setting means I am notified if I am standing within 1m of a positive case for too long. Standing next to a man on the bus with an old phone doesn't guarantee me that safety net.

The app doesn't even have a checkout option. How is that any better than leaving your details by paper or through an online booking?

Less than 2 mil people have downloaded the app so far so I guess this is businesses just trying to do what they are told. We need it to use our local museum loos! I can’t imagine many of their usual visitors have the latest iPhones but I guess they are trying to do the right thing

[quote Carrotgirl87]@SoUtterlyGroundDown completely your choice, and you have every right to choose that.

My choice to go somewhere that has 100% compliant customers, instead of somewhere with 40% compliant, 20% don't care 10% COVID is a hoax 10% app is for spying 10% lock up the old 10% you can't tell me what to do. [/quote]
But everyone may have turned the tracking off on the app as you can so no phones will be connecting anyway.

@JamSarnie because you're Bluetooth will pick up other active bluetooth connections while you're there. Once you're home you won't connect with people there after you've left.

i have refused to sign books in shops as it is a clear breach of my data protection.
The book is open where anyone can see it with all my personal details for anyone to see. I report this everytime I see it.
Nobodys data should be available for everyone to see.