Scanning in at bars, restaurants and other "high-risk" locations could soon be compulsory as the Government looks to beef up our COVID-19 rules.
Scanning using the NZ COVID Tracer app is already compulsory at the Buoy Salon and Spa in Wellington.
"It's something that we have actually taken upon ourselves," explained managing director Sam Elby.
While Elby's customers are diligent, she knows others aren't.
"I've heard from people who aren't really controlling it themselves that people just breeze on in and don't really pay any attention to scanning."
A lack of scanning isn't just an issue in Wellington, nationwide numbers have plummeted since peaking last September.
Officials are urging people to change their habits - especially in light of the recent COVID-19 scare in the capital.
While there are no community cases - two people who possibly had contact with an infected miner from Australia have returned to New Zealand. Both are now isolating and one test result has already come back negative.
With new, more transmissible covid variants at play the Government is now looking to expand our safety measures.
"Cabinet has commissioned advice around introducing compulsory scanning in high-risk locations," Prime Minister Jacinda Addern said during Monday's post-Cabinet press conference.
High-risk locations include places like bars, where people are in close quarters.
It's something epidemiologist Michael Baker has been calling for, for months.
"These are really worthwhile improvements that will maybe, hopefully, give us the edge over the virus if we get an outbreak."
The Government still has to work out the logistics including how it will be enforced and who would be liable if punters don't scan.
"In terms of who is checking and enforcing - that's when you're looking at an operator - we know that's a big burden for them to carry," Ardern said.
Te Papa, which is a location of interest, is getting ready to reopen tomorrow. After closing for six days, it too has set up its own mandatory scanning under Level 2.
Cabinet is also considering mandatory mask-wearing, in some situations.
"Cabinet is currently considering mandating the use of face coverings for people at alert levels 2 or higher in certain high-risk locations," Ardern said.
People Newshub spoke to had mixed reactions to the proposed measures. While some supported the proposed measures saying it was a "small price to pay" others believed we didn't need them "right now".
The measures will only be brought in to help under alert level 2 or above. Wellington finds out tomorrow if it will move back to alert level 1.
