Power to Change, the independent trust that looks after community businesses, has launched a free app to help the sector re-open after the Covid-19 lockdown.
Government rules mean all hospitality venues must keep a guest register to record the details of visitors for 21 days to help track and trace Covid-19 infections.
The Twine Visitor app will keep track of visitors so they can be alerted if they have come into contact with someone suffering from symptoms of the virus.
As the hospitality sector gets set to reopen, thousands of not-for-profit businesses across the UK can now access a free app offering an easy way to track and trace.
By logging customers’ names and contact details via the app, alongside the time and date of their visit, businesses can ensure customers can be easily traced without the need for any paperwork. Visitors receive a QR code after their first visit for scanning on arrival on all future occasions.
Settle Community Hub in North Yorkshire has been using the platform as a support resource since it launched last year. Speaking about its benefits as part of the track and trace scheme, Sarah Wiltshire, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Settle, said: “We’ve been using Twine Visitor since late 2019. Now that the lockdown is easing, we are going to have the data capture already in place to record everyone who physically attends one of our services.
“It’s simple to use, it allows touch-free signing in for Covid-19 hygiene rules and we can pull the data off from a separate computer, so it’s perfect for handling track and trace needs. We would definitely recommend it if you’re looking to re-open soon.”
Power to Change says more than 5,000 community businesses – 58% of the sector – had to close during lockdown because they are either venues (community hubs), retail (pubs and cafes) or arts/culture businesses (leisure centres, libraries, art centres).
Chief executive Vidhya Alakeson said: “The coronavirus pandemic has been a very challenging time for all third sector organisations, and we know that many are facing real challenges as they prepare to welcome people back through their doors. Twine Visitor is a great, free tool to help community businesses start to reopen in a safe and measured way”
Community businesses, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations can find out more at www.twine-together.com/visitor
