Businesses and venues across Rutland are being encouraged to display new QR code posters to help the NHS Test and Trace service.

As part of the government's efforts to control coronavirus, businesses and venues need to display an official NHS QR code poster, so that customers can 'check-in' at different locations using the NHS Track and Trace app.

The QR code posters are a quick, simple and secure way for visitors to 'check-in' at venues, once the app is rolled out nationally from September 24.

Venues should create and display a QR code poster if they are:

· A business, place of worship or community organisation with a physical location that is open to the public

· An event which is taking place in a physical location

By 'checking-in', app users will have a digital diary on their phones of the venues they have been to, which can support conversations with contact tracers if they become ill with coronavirus.

It also means that important public health messages can be sent to relevant app users' phones if needed. Individual businesses and venues will not be named in any messages.

By using the NHS QR code system, venues will be helping to protect themselves and their customers from the impact of the virus.

Coun Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "The government's announcement on Wednesday was a stark reminder of the threat still posed by coronavirus. It reinforces the need for all of us to act responsibly and follow the rules.

Venues in England that are expected to maintain customer logs should now make sure they are displaying official NHS QR code posters for customers to use. This is important to help people keep track of their movements and assist the national Test and Trace service. It's down to all of us to take the right steps in our daily lives – to protect ourselves and each other."

For more information about creating a coronavirus NHS QR code for your venue, please visit the GOV.UK website and follow the step-by-step instructions provided: www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster.