Compulsory QR codes have been slammed as a ‘waste of time’ by radio host Ben Fordham because NSW Health is no longer tracing close contacts.
His comments come after the NSW Premier announced mandatory QR codes would remain until at least the end of February.
The controversial measure was one of a series of restrictions to be extended in the state, including capacity limits, mask-wearing and a ban on singing and dancing.
The 2GB host slammed the decision to make it mandatory for NSW residents to sign in to hospitality venues, large events and retail stores as ‘pointless’.
‘This makes absolutely no sense. QR codes are here to stay. We’re not tracking and tracing anymore, so what’s the point?’ a clearly frustrated Fordham said.
Compulsory QR codes have come under fire for being ‘a waste of time’ by Ben Fordham who revealed a little-known secret about the controversial measure (pictured, a Sydney shopper scans a QR code)
The radio host (pictured) had a few choice words for the NSW Premier after he announced mandatory QR codes would remain until at least the end of February
Fordham then revealed the health department wasn’t notifying close contacts anymore.
‘We’re not tracking or tracing so why are we still signing in with QR codes and why are we pushing ahead with useless QR codes?’
The host said that if health officials were still tracing the movements of Covid cases, it would be a ‘different story’.
Premier Dominic Perrottet has defended his decision to keep the Covid measure, stating residents felt more ‘confident’ when they have to check in.
‘People feel confident checking in, and our job as government is to instil confidence in our people, in the circumstances where we have a highly vaccinated population, to go out to enjoy the best that NSW has to offer in a way where you keep yourself, your friends and your family safe,’ the state leader said.
Fordham said: ‘How does that make anyone feel confident? It’s like saying we’ve got a lifejacket for you but it doesn’t work.’
The 2GB host slammed the decision to make NSW residents sign in to hospitality venues, large events and retail stores retail as ‘pointless’ (pictured, a Sydney shopper)
Premier Dominic Perrottet (pictured) has defended his decision to keep the Covid measure, stating residents felt more ‘confident’ when they have to check in
His comments come as one of Australia’s top epidemiologists also cast doubt on the usefulness of the Covid measure.
Professor Catherine Bennett from Deakin University said unlike other restrictions that had been extended, QR codes did not have a clear impact on transmission.
‘If it’s a memory prompt for where you have been or something that will make you more alert to symptoms, that’s a good thing, but the virus is moving so quickly that by the time you get the ‘ping’ you’ve passed it on,’ she told the Herald.
Prof. Bennett advised the alerts were only mandated in high-risk sites where people were more likely to catch Covid like hairdressers and nightclubs.
Earlier this week, the premier announced a suite of restrictions due to ease on Thursday would be extended until at least February 28.
The measures included a one-person per two-square-metre capacity limit in cafes, bars and restaurants, mask-wearing in indoor spaces and a ban on singing and dancing with exemptions on schools, weddings and performers.
Earlier this week, the premier announced a suite of restrictions due to ease on Thursday would be extended until at least February 28 (pictured, a church-goer uses a QR code in Sydney)
2GB radio’s Ben Fordham revealed health officials were no longer notifying residents they had come into contact with a confirmed Covid case (pictured, a shopper in Sydney)
‘We want to maintain that cautious approach as we continue to get our booster program moving,’ Mr Perrottet said of the extension.
The state leader said he hoped the move would put parents sending children back to school at the end of January some peace of mind.
NSW reported 17,316 new Covid cases and 29 deaths on Thursday while Victoria has seen another 13,755 cases and 15 deaths.
The number brings the active cases in NSW to 181,527 which is the lowest in the state since January 4 and almost 50 per cent below the peak of 342,838 active cases on January 16.
A national cabinet meeting will be held with the nation’s state and territory leaders on Thursday to discuss health system capacities, supply chain issues and vaccines.