Track and trace is the 'new norm' but safety must come first

As we're all adjusting to what is described as the 'new normal,' with the opening of hotels, venues and restaurants – all must-visit pre-wedding locations – leaving your details for tracking and tracing the virus will be essential, but is it secure? 

A new app, SafeVenues, promises to safely stores customers' details and can alert venues and individuals.The SafeVenues platform creates a QR code for each venue that signs up, enabling customers to self-scan as they go into the venue using the SafeVenues app on their mobile phone, which is free to download.
   Once registered, the platform will retain a record of the name and email address of each customer who has scanned in coupled with the date and time they attended the venue. The data will be securely held on the SafeVenues system for 21 days and be provided to the NHS on request.
   Robert Nisbet, founder of SafeVenues, said: "Without a proper track and trace system, thousands of venues across the country are going to find it hard to be able to open and abide by the government's rules. Asking drinkers to write their details on paper or fill in web forms isn't really viable. When the NHS needs track and trace information fast from multiple venues, how on earth can that be done effectively and quickly enough to save lives?
   "Not only does it work for the venues, but also advises nearby app users that they're operating the SafeVenues system and the app will even display how full the restaurant or pub is they are going to.
   "The app also allows the venue to meet government requirements and delegate the data responsibility to us as well as enabling them to create a safe space by providing an alert through the in-app reporting system.
   "We should be questioning putting our personal data on a form when you don't know where it is going to be left – or who could potentially see it and use it."
   The app is available to download at Apple App Store and the Google Play store by searching SafeVenues