New COVID-19 contact register from 5 December

Mandatory contact registers at relevant businesses and venues will be introduced from Saturday 5 December 2020. Maintaining a contact register is an extra safety measure and one of the most effective ways to control the spread of COVID-19.

Businesses and venues will need to record the name, telephone number, location, date and arrival time of all patrons, staff, volunteers and contractors and keep that information for 28 days.

These businesses or venues include:

• food and licenced venues (restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, taverns, nightclubs);
• gyms, indoor sporting centres and pools;
• places of worship and funeral parlours;
• beauty and personal care services including hairdressers and barbers;
• galleries and museums;
• cinemas, theatres and other entertainment venues;
• auction houses and real estate inspections;
• community facilities, libraries and halls ;
• zoos and amusement parks;
• function centres; and
• accommodation facilities that already have check in arrangements in place (eg; hostels, hotels, large camp grounds).

New app available

To assist businesses and venues in collecting the information required, and make it easier for individuals to provide their contact details; a free, safe and secure app called SafeWA is now available. Endorsed by the Department of Health, the app provides businesses and venues a unique QR code that enables patrons to quick scan their contact details into the register.

Data collected via the SafeWA app will be encrypted at the point of capture, stored securely, and only be accessible by authorised Department of Health contact tracing personnel should COVID-19 tracing be needed. This means tracing can be performed quicker to keep people safe. 

The use of SafeWA is not mandatory, but is encouraged. The free app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play, giving businesses and venues time to implement the digital contact register system in time for 5 December. An information pack will be emailed to each business that downloads SafeWA.

Businesses may also use alternative formats for registration — including other electronic or paper-based systems depending on what is suitable for the business, venue or individual — however all information collected must be saved and stored securely and retained for 28 days.

Further information

Full details about the contact register requirements including frequently asked questions, ‘how to’ guides and information sheets for businesses and for individuals, is available on the WA Government website. Contact register templates, for those not using the SafeWA app, are also available.

Find out more at wa.gov.au/organisation/covid-communications/covid-19-coronavirus-contact-registers