Covid 19 coronavirus: is this how we get more kiwis scanned?

Confidence, but not tenacity, could be key to getting more kiwis to scan when visiting their local pubs and cafes, new research suggests.

While the latest community case of Covid-19 has caused an increase in the number of people using the NZ Covid Tracer app, the uptake and use of the vital tool has been regrettable.

On Saturday, the day before news of the new case was known, some 286,646 people scanned at least one QR code poster, despite the fact that there were more than two million registered users.

Now, in a recently published collaborative study, researchers at the University of Otago have identified what could be the key to restaurants, cafes and bars fostering customer engagement.

“Appealing to clients’ brains rather than their hearts can increase the effectiveness of contact tracing, as people are more likely to participate,” said study co-author Dr. Raymond Xia.

“Basically, if a customer trusts the establishment and its contact tracing system, they are more likely to provide their details.

“In establishments where there is skepticism about the establishment or the contact tracing system, the purchase decreases.”

Since contact tracing systems are critical in limiting any potential community spread of Covid-19, their effectiveness is diminished if people are reluctant to use them.

Xia, a specialist in consumer marketing, behavior and methodology, said venues should be careful about using “relationship tactics” to acquire personal information.

“Instead, venues must demonstrate professionalism, competence and reliability through good data protection policy, strong data collection ethics, and gaining popularity,” he said.

“Customers are more likely to participate if they see that the venues show a genuine concern for public safety, rather than profit.”

He said this could be done through clear and concise signage that uses language such as “let’s all beat the virus together” rather than “you must log in or you will not be served.”

The study also explored how the government could encourage people to cooperate with contact tracing at hospitality venues through strong data protection policy and regulation.

Their findings showed that people felt more confident disclosing truthful contact tracing information if they had faith in their government’s policies and practices.

Experts have renewed calls for Kiwis to be vigilant in using the NZ Covid Tracer app and to follow the example set by the latest case.

“What we have to remember is that we should do everything possible to facilitate the work of the contact tracing team,” said Professor Siouxsie Wiles, an infectious disease expert at the University of Auckland.

“We can do that by getting into the habit of using the Covid Tracer app and having Bluetooth turned on. Can you remember where you’ve been for the last 10 days and when?

“I know I can’t, so I trained myself to use the app wherever I go.”

Wiles said he would like all businesses to help make QR code scanning easier by reminding people to scan while paying for goods and services, and by placing the QR codes in several different places around their facilities.

“This is a habit that we will need over the next year, so let’s develop it now rather than just scanning when we learn of a case outside of MIQ.”

Data expert Dr. Andrew Chen noted that all the models suggested that isolation time was the most important factor in keeping an outbreak under control.

“But we must also remember that the app is just one layer of defense in our response to Covid-19,” said Chen, a researcher at Koi Tū: The Center for Informed Futures, based at the University of Auckland.

“If you have symptoms, get tested and don’t go to work.

“If you don’t have symptoms, wash your hands, wear a mask when you can, and keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve been with, preferably with NZ Covid Tracer and Bluetooth Tracing.”