What Does the 'QR Code Suspension' Mean?...Abolition of the 'Entry Log' for Contact Tracing

Quarantine Pass Maintained... Vaccination History Verified for Use of 11 Types of Facilities
QR Code for Vaccine Verification to Continue Operation

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Starting from the 19th, due to changes in the epidemiological investigation method, the operation of entry logs such as 'QR codes,' Safe Call, and handwritten logs, which were used when entering multi-use facilities, will be temporarily suspended.

Lee Gi-il, the 1st Controller of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated on the 18th, "With epidemiological investigations and contact tracing management shifting to focus on high-risk groups, managing entry logs for broad contact tracing has become somewhat less effective," adding, "The mandatory entry log measure will be temporarily suspended."

Until now, when entering multi-use facilities, visitor logs were recorded mainly through three methods: QR codes, Safe Call, and handwritten logs. Names and phone numbers were recorded and used to trace visitors when a confirmed case had visited the facility or when a cluster infection occurred.

Today's announcement from the quarantine authorities means that this 'facility user and contact tracing' will be suspended for the time being. In other words, it will no longer be necessary to fill out a separate entry log when using all facilities. For example, when entering government offices, stores, marts, department stores, academies, reading rooms, or study cafes, visitors can enter without checking a QR code or making a Safe Call.

It is important not to confuse this with the fact that only the entry log requirement is being lifted; the quarantine pass currently applied to 11 types of multi-use facilities will remain in effect. Facilities such as entertainment venues, karaoke rooms, bathhouses, indoor sports facilities, bicycle, motorboat, and horse racing tracks, restaurants and cafes, PC rooms, multi-rooms, massage parlors, party rooms, and indoor sports stadiums still require proof of vaccination or a negative test result to be used.

Until now, QR codes were used not only for entry logs but also to verify vaccination history. Therefore, at facilities where the quarantine pass applies, the existing QR code scanners will be used to verify vaccination status. The difference from before is that only vaccination history will be checked, and personal entry log records will not be collected. Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Accident Response Headquarters, explained, "Most self-employed and small business owners find it more convenient to verify vaccination status through QR codes," adding, "The QR service itself will continue to be provided." This is also why users can now use the COOV (electronic vaccination certificate) app to verify vaccination status and access facilities, even though it was previously not usable for facility entry.