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Original poster

How does checking in to a venue work?

14 replies

TheChineseChicken · 04/10/2020 07:43

When I go into pretty much anywhere at the moment I check in by scanning the QR code. Say I am in a cafe, I then sit at a table away from other people, have my drink, then leave without getting near anyone. I do this at 2pm, for example, and am checked in on the app until midnight.

Someone else who was in the cafe that day, maybe at the same time as me, maybe not - but regardless I didn’t get within 2 metres of them - tests positive. Do I then have to self isolate? Because that makes no sense to me.

OP posts:

Scaraffito · 04/10/2020 07:45

As the app monitors those in close proximity anyway, is it more as it could be on surfaces etc. Not sure though, the app was released with oddly little fanfare and info.

Scaraffito · 04/10/2020 07:46

Or I guess someone who manually records their details could notify the place they have tested positive I suppose.

Original poster

TheChineseChicken · 04/10/2020 07:55

@Scaraffito

As the app monitors those in close proximity anyway, is it more as it could be on surfaces etc. Not sure though, the app was released with oddly little fanfare and info.

This would only work if the other person has the app though. And if it’s all based on app proximity, what’s the point of checking in? It’s a bit concerning as we could be told to self isolate when we haven’t been near the infected person!

OP posts:

Mydarlingsleepthief · 04/10/2020 07:56

I have had the app for a week and most places I have been don’t have codes to scan so it’s pointless having it

CovidPostingName · 04/10/2020 07:59

Checking in is entirely separate to contact tracing/ proximity. If you turn off Bluetooth and contract tracing within the app you can use it simply to check in. You would then be alerted on an information only basis if the venue were to have an outbreak or cases of concern.

Original poster

TheChineseChicken · 04/10/2020 07:59

@Mydarlingsleepthief

I have had the app for a week and most places I have been don’t have codes to scan so it’s pointless having it

I’ve had to use it most places. In one place I had to show my phone to the member of staff so they could check I had done it! The place was half empty and I couldn’t have got within 2 metres of someone without considerable effort

OP posts:

StealthPolarBear · 04/10/2020 08:01

Why don't supermarkets have them? It would seem very sensible to me

Scaraffito · 04/10/2020 08:05

Good questions, no idea lol! The cynic in me says supermarkets don't so that their staff aren't having to isolate when they get an update someone has been in who has later tested positive.

Original poster

TheChineseChicken · 04/10/2020 08:07

@CovidPostingName

Thanks, I just found this online: faq.covid19.nhs.uk/article/KA-01213/en-us

I feel like the whole thing could have been explained / publicised better.

OP posts:

Original poster

TheChineseChicken · 04/10/2020 08:07

@StealthPolarBear

Why don't supermarkets have them? It would seem very sensible to me

Good question!

OP posts:

PinotLovesMomma · 04/10/2020 08:19

OP i think it's something to do with your Bluetooth, so for example if you checked into the cafe and then tested positive it would alert others who had checked in the same places who was within the vicinity at that time (who also had Bluetooth on) . So if it was someone else who'd tested positive who had been to the same venue as you but a different time your notification wouldn't go off as your Bluetooth wouldn't have been within close range of each other.
That was my understanding anyway I could be completely wrong.

Original poster

TheChineseChicken · 04/10/2020 08:23

@PinotLovesMomma

OP i think it's something to do with your Bluetooth, so for example if you checked into the cafe and then tested positive it would alert others who had checked in the same places who was within the vicinity at that time (who also had Bluetooth on) . So if it was someone else who'd tested positive who had been to the same venue as you but a different time your notification wouldn't go off as your Bluetooth wouldn't have been within close range of each other. That was my understanding anyway I could be completely wrong.

Yes, that’s how the proximity bit would work but that functions independently of checking in - so it feels like checking in must have a separate purpose. As @CovidPostingName this seems to be used by public health bodies to make discretionary decisions based on eg bad outbreaks in a location

OP posts:

StealthPolarBear · 04/10/2020 08:27

I've just found the faq section and I am really none the wiser
What are the things that flash up and then vanish on my phone? They can't be close contact notifications as they literally vanish within a split second.
Also what is the difference between the top question and the third question down here

lljkk · 04/10/2020 09:22

The only time I would use it is swimming pool.
I don't go anywhere else that has the option.
Our time in pool is quite limited, I don't want to delay myself or others getting the app up on phone getting the QR code to register etc (I would be holding up the Q to scan).
So that makes me not bother.

I would rather a simple signal was sent out with the wifi, that would talk to my phone to register my presence. Like a transponder code. This would make so much more sense than QR codes.

Is it not technologically possible if I had a special app to talk to local wifi?

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