NEW posters with an NHS QR code are set to be rolled out across the county.

Council buildings and businesses across Northumberland will display the posters from this week, ahead of the NHS COVID-19 app being rolled out nationally.

A wider range of businesses and organisations are now required to collect customer, visitor, and staff contact detail logs.

The data is vital for the NHS Test and Trace service to contact people if coronavirus outbreaks are identified in venues.

From today, it is mandatory to display the official NHS QR code posters, making it easier for residents to check-in at different premises once the app is rolled out.

People who check-in using the QR code posters will not need to log in via any other method.

Coun. Jeff Watson, Cabinet member for Adult Health and Wellbeing, said: “The majority of businesses and organisations in Northumberland have been first class in playing their part in tackling the virus by putting in place COVID-secure measures in their venues, but new legal requirements will make it compulsory for them to do so.

"By keeping contact logs and displaying NHS QR codes it will ensure there is consistency across the country and the public can seamlessly provide their details, while helping the national track and trace programme.”