From 1 December 2022, the Check in CBR app will no longer be in use in the ACT. The app was originally launched on 8 September 2020 to provide a way for businesses and the community to support contact tracing and minimise the spread of COVID‑19.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said that now is an appropriate time to close the app.
“Canberrans really embraced the Check in CBR app and have used it to keep track of their movements, hold their vaccination certificate and link to the form for reporting positive Rapid Antigen Test results.
“In May 2022, the Chief Health Officer removed the mandatory requirement to check in using the Check in CBR app, recognising is was no longer required for contact tracing.
“At the time, many people said they wanted to continue using the app and it was also adjusted to enable high-risk settings like hospitals and aged care facilities to use it as a screening tool.
“However, as the ACT continues to move towards managing COVID-19 in a manner that is more consistent with other infectious diseases, the app is no longer required and will be switched off.
“We know that we will continue to have waves of COVID-19 into the future, and we will continue to work with the community to manage the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.”
Minister Stephen-Smith said that at the height of its use, the app supported quick and efficient contact tracing efforts. It became a valued resource for workplaces and the broader community and assisted ACT Health in their response to outbreaks and exposures.
The app was downloaded more than 1.25 million times and 117 million check-ins were recorded across more than 29,000 different locations.
Over 251,000 vaccination certificates have been shared through the app. Switching off the app means that users will no longer be able to access their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate through the app. Should users still require access to their vaccination certificates, they can find instructions on the ACT Government’s COVID-19 website.
“The team responsible for the development and maintenance of the app had done a fantastic job in supporting Canberrans through the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and I want to thank them again for this nation-leading work,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
