SHOPPERS are ignoring vital test and trace QR codes in one of the town's retail hotspots.

The Adver counted 105 people walking into the Brunel Shopping Centre over a 20-minute period – and none of them scanned the A4-size poster on the door which helps to support the country's coronavirus fight.

The codes are required by law in hospitality settings such as pubs, bars and restaurants but elsewhere they assist the accuracy of the NHS test and trace system.

Swindon Advertiser:

QR codes on the doors to the Brunel shopping centre

A poll on the Adver’s website showed 58 per cent of the 329 who voted had downloaded the NHS app but only 30 per cent were scanning everywhere they went.

The remaining 42 per cent said they had not downloaded the app, which forms a central part of the system and was launched on September 24.

In the town centre Rob Pettifor, from North Swindon, said he had downloaded the app but admitted to not using it.

He said: “I don’t think I’ve ever scanned it but it alerts me to the level in the area and that’s what I mainly use it for.

“Personally it’s useful to have there and if everyone’s got it it’ll be really useful – but if not then it’s not going to be used to its full efficiency.”

Victor Wall from Gorse Hill is not backing the app to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

He said: “It’s not worth the hassle. So many people are so scared and people automatically think the slightest thing is Covid.

“People are not taking a bit of notice of the government. If they did something about it when they first knew of it, then we wouldn’t be in the situation we’re in now.

“I do fill in my details if I’m going to a pub. I’ve done it so many times I know it all off by heart.”

Swindon Advertiser:

QR code poster on the doors of the Brunel

The Adver conducted its research at 2pm on Thursday October 1, counting people entering the Brunel from the Iceland end of the shopping centre.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland – who serves as justice secretary in Boris Johnson's cabinet – said: “I urge people to use the test and trace QR system when out and about.

“Together, we can help to control outbreaks and we will do that more effectively with better information.”

A spokesperson for the Brunel said: “We are fully committed to strictly following the government’s guidelines to help keep shoppers safe which is why we’re supporting all our retailers to introduce the NHS QR code system.

“The wider shopping centre is also displaying these posters on all entrance doors currently, in addition to shops and eateries, to encourage wider usage.

“However, we cannot force the public to scan the QR codes and it is down to individuals whether they utilise the system.”

At the Swindon Designer Outlet, the Adver found QR codes at 16 of the units in the main concourse, including Costa, Starbucks and Giraffe – all required by law.

No QR codes were on display at any of the main entrances.

Official guidance from the government says retail centres are not required to display QR codes but it is advised.

It says: “In supermarkets, customers generally move around the space rather than congregate, and are expected, by law, to wear face coverings.

“QR code posters are therefore not expected for the entrance to a supermarket or other retail outlet. Venues within a supermarket or other retailer that are required to hold a customer log, such as cafes, must display an official NHS QR code poster.

“We advise having NHS QR code posters for any other enclosed facilities within on a retail outlet premises where customers may congregate.”

Outlet bosses were approached for comment but did not reply before the Adver went to print.