Kempsey Shire businesses, shoppers, handle latest COVID public health rules

"As far as I can tell people are masking up and QR coding without too much fuss," Macleay Valley Chamber of Commerce president Gary Scott told the Argus.

But there's a rider to that anecdotal appraisal - as Gary himself has been largely self-isolating at home after almost getting caught up in the COVID meltdown in the Big Smoke.

Gary had travelled to Sydney to see his daughter on the Friday, and left the day after - just ahead of the sudden introduction of the metropolitan lockdown.

The latest health orders included the compulsory wearing of masks at indoor settings other than residential - and shire residents seem to have taken this step in their stride.

"Most businesses seem to be coping," Gary said.

"I think we've seen a more proactive approach this time which is good to see. A great deal of common sense has got to apply."

Gary said more challenging though will be the pending introduction of the need for local businesses to have QR check-in for all visitors.

An instance in point could be customers having to check in at a newsagent when they just want to buy a newspaper.

"It will be interesting to see how that comes to play, especially for really small businesses. Imagine what it would be like if you were a courier and how many times you'd have to check in," Gary said.

The use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday, July 12, including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.

Minister for Digital and Customer Service, Victor Dominello, said expanding the mandate would give NSW Health contact tracers real-time access to QR code data from a greater number of venues.

"This is about keeping customers and staff safe and getting all businesses open again as soon as possible," Dominello said.

"We know the Delta variant of COVID-19 moves quickly and we must do everything we can to get it under control.

"While many retail businesses, including large supermarkets and hardware chains, have voluntarily adopted the Service NSW QR code, this measure will ensure check-in rates are high across the board and contact tracers have access to reliable records."

From Monday, July 12, the following will need to display the Service NSW QR code and take reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using the Service NSW QR codes or digital sign-in sheet:

Businesses that fail to comply with the new health order requirements may be subject to fines and in case of flagrant breaches, temporary closure orders.

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