New functions added to "LeaveHomeSafe" for easy display of vaccination QR codes
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     The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) announced today (January 27) that the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app version 3.0.2 is now available for update. To prepare for the future expansion of the "vaccine pass", the process of displaying the QR codes for COVID-19 vaccination records (electronic vaccination records) has been streamlined. The new version also supports the saving of the QR codes for COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Certificates. Upon successful scanning of the "LeaveHomeSafe" venue QR codes, the app will automatically show users' QR codes of electronic vaccination records or Exemption Certificates stored in their mobile phones to assist venue operators in checking whether users have complied with relevant vaccination requirements.

     The enhancements of the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app include:

* Automatic display of the QR code of an electronic vaccination record or an Exemption Certificate: After scanning the venue QR code, the app will automatically show information of the premises and a blue QR code of either the user's electronic vaccination record or Exemption Certificate, the authenticity of which has been verified and stored in his/her mobile phone. If the app does not contain relevant QR codes, the display will be labelled as red for easy identification;

* Support storage of Exemption Certificate: Members of the public who have been issued with an Exemption Certificate due to health reasons can store the relevant information in the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app by scanning the QR code on the certificate with the app's storage function for easy display; and

* Refinement of the confirmation page after entering a venue: A timer will now be displayed on the page after the scanning of a venue QR code. Not only does the upgrade allow easy checking of a user's duration of stay, it also prevents anyone from using screenshots to enter a venue and thereby helps venue operators to verify the authenticity of the app.

     A spokesman for the OGCIO said that the latest number of downloads of the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app is around 7.5 million. At present, over 110 000 public and private venues have participated in the scheme, among which about 87 000 are private venues. The OGCIO will continue to enhance the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app in accordance with the needs of epidemic prevention and control, bringing convenience and benefits to members of the public and joining hands with them in the fight against the epidemic.
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     The spokesman also reminded members of the public to update the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app to version 3.0.2 through App Store, Google Play or Huawei AppGallery directly and refrain from deleting the old version and reinstalling the app. Updating the app will not affect previous visit records saved in users' mobile phones.

Ends/Thursday, January 27, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:18

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