COVID Tracer app: Many still aren't catching onto the 'scanning culture' despite health officials' warning

Health authorities are urging the public to follow the lead of the country's latest COVID-19 community case.

The 56-year-old Northland woman tested positive on Friday, and health officials are praising her for her 'assiduous' use of the COVID Tracer app.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said it helped them trace the locations she visited with ease.

"It's the use of the app by this person that has enabled us to follow up quickly anyone who may have contact with her and to head off any further potential spread," he said during a press conference on Sunday.

In the past 24 hours, more than 800,000 scans have been recorded - that's 300,000 more than the previous day. 

Another 200,000 New Zealanders have also turned on the Bluetooth function. 

But as it seems, many in Christchurch aren't catching onto the "scanning culture". 

Just four people out of 40 have scanned into a Christchurch retail store using the COVID Tracer app.

"I do scan when I go to some places but I know if I'm not going to be in there for long I just go in and out," a person told Newshub.

"I do it when I go to the supermarkets and that but in normal retail stores you just walk in," another said.

In Auckland, where the COVID transmission most likely took place, there was a similar attitude.

But COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins wants Kiwis to change that attitude.

"I hope it's a reminder to all New Zealanders we're not asking you to do this just because it's a fun thing to do - actually there's a real public health need to record your movements."

And to stop the spread - this side of the border. 

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