Innovative QR-code ventures debuted in Nur-Sultan and Almaty, marking the start of an experimental initiative
In the heart of Kazakhstan, the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty are implementing a COVID-19 QR code system for businesses. This innovative approach aims to ensure public safety and minimise the risk of infection spread.
The system works by determining a customer's COVID-19 status through a government-issued app, known as the Ashyq app. Customers need to download the app, register with their phone number, and add their IIN (Individual Identification Number) to participate.
Once registered, customers receive a QR code that reflects their health status, infection status, or contact status. These codes are colour-coded: green indicates no movement restrictions and a negative test result, blue signifies minimal restrictions except at airports, yellow allows for partial movement, and red indicates strict home isolation for those under outpatient care.
Businesses participating in the project integrate a QR code scanner app or device at their entry points to verify customers' QR codes against the official database. Customers with "red" or "yellow" status are directed to a waiting zone or denied entry, ensuring compliance with COVID-19 safety measures.
Business owners can obtain their QR code at InfoKazakhstan.kz. Upon entering an establishment, customers scan the establishment's QR code to record their visit and scan again upon exit. Each QR code is unique for each entry.
It's essential to note that the app is not currently linked to vaccination status. However, Article 273 of the Health Code allows for information provision without consent if there's a threat of disease spread. The app's use is voluntary, but IIN input requires customer consent.
The QR code pilot project is currently underway in both cities, marking a significant step towards a safer and more controlled environment during the ongoing pandemic. While the exact implementation details may vary, these are the general mechanisms of such systems used globally. For more precise and current information, it's recommended to visit Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health or local government websites.
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The Ashyq app, a government-issued tool in Kazakhstan, incorporates elements of science, health-and-wellness, and technology to determine COVID-19 status for individuals, using a color-coded QR code system. Businesses in Nur-Sultan and Almaty, such as those participating in the QR code project, utilize technology through a QR code scanner app or device at entry points to maintain public safety by enforcing compliance with COVID-19 measures.
