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Health

ServiceWA COVID check-in app set-up proving to be a challenge for non-digital natives

Petra Leonhardt said some people attending the help sessions don't have an email address. (ABC Great Southern: Tim Wong-See)

More than 300 people are on a waitlist for Albany library's free help in setting up the WA government's COVID app, a process proving frustrating for some.

Last month, Albany Public Library started offering free help downloading the ServiceWA app.

The "all in one" app, released last month, allows people to check-in at venues and prove their vaccination status.

Setting up the app requires people to link personal details with the federal government's MyGov service portal.

Albany library's Kate Houderrani said staff have helped about 200 people so far. 

"It has been a complicated process and very overwhelming for some people in our community … really frustrating for people that might not be tech savvy."

Over 300 people are on a wait list to receive help to set up the WA government's COVID app. (ABC Great Southern: Tim Wong-See)

She said some people had forgotten passwords and email addresses.

"[I've] had a few people that have maybe wanted to throw their phones against the wall," she said.

Library only place for help

Kate Tice said without the library's sessions, some older people would not have any help.

Kate Tice says the library was the only way she could get assistance in setting up ServiceWA. (ABC Great Southern: Tim Wong-See)

"They don't necessarily have kids at home that were brought up with computers so they don't necessarily have family help."

Ms Tice said it would be easier if doctors were able to provide physical copies of vaccination certificates.

Albany library officer Petra Leonhardt said the demand for help was strong.

Albany library also offers free help sessions to set up a MyGov account. (ABC Great Southern: Tim Wong-See)

Ms Leonhardt said some people did not have even the most basic accounts set up.

"I had to help quite a few set up email addresses. Some didn't even know what they were," she said.

"Its been a big from-the-start process."

She said six people help with the sessions, leaving two staff in the library's main area.

 "It's very bare bones when these are running," she said.

Cafes fitting in

Lia Nicholson owns Albany cafe Looped and said most people were trying to follow the check-in rules.

Lia Nicholson has made some adjustment to her Albany cafe in line with COVID regulations. (ABC Great Southern: Tim Wong-See)

She said the cafe had tried to cater to those needing quick service.

"If you don't want to bother with the whole thing you can just get takeaway," she said.

Ms Nicholson said hospitality workers naturally want to provide a good service and people needing help should ask.

"Anytime that we have to be inhospitable it is not ideal, it is uncomfortable," she said.

Data shows many older Australians haven't had their booster
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