VISITORS to Swindon Borough Council’s buildings and offices will be asked to scan a QR code to comply with test and trace guidelines after the new NHS app was released by the government yesterday

Posters in the buildings will help the council and some businesses to log the details of people visiting and staff going into the building more easily.

It means if one visitor contracts the virus, it will be easier to notify others who have been in proximity they need to self-isolate and get a test for Covid-19.

A council spokesman said: “It is vital these measures are in place to allow the NHS Test and Trace service to contact the necessary people if Covid-19 outbreaks are identified in a venue.”

Posters with the distinctive square pixelated codes will be put up in the civic offices in Euclid Street, Lydiard Hotel and conference centre, council-run libraries, Fessey and Whitbourne House care homes, the crematorium, Swindon Register Office, the recently reopened Steam museum and Wat Tyler West reception

Visitors will be able to have their contact details recorded manually if they do not have a smartphone – or one which can run the app – or do not wish to use it.