More than 52,000 West Aussies download new COVID ServiceWA app

More than 52,000 West Australians downloaded the ServiceWA COVID app after it went “live” on Tuesday, but some had to queue for an hour before using it.

The app — which cost $2.1 million to develop — consolidates the SafeWA check-in function, proof of vaccination, and G2G pass needed for travel.

More than 6000 people downloaded it on Monday before it went “live” on Tuesday and by 4.30pm Tuesday more than 52,000 people had downloaded it.

The app met with mixed reception. To set it up, users have to set up a supporting MyGovID account, which requires them to prove their identity with ID such as a passport or driver’s licence.

But first users needed to track the app down which was not easy to find in the Apple app store.

On Twitter, some users expressed frustration over the lengthy set-up process.

“Well, setting up the #ServiceWA app may cost you your sanity. Good luck,” one Twitter user wrote.

The McGowan Government blamed its Federal counterparts for the long wait, saying there was a issue with Canberra’s Services Australia system.

“This is a new app and new process, and therefore teething issues are expected,” a State Government spokeswoman said.

“The preparations that were in place between Services Australia and the WA Government meant an effective response was quickly put in place.”

But for those who already had MyGovIDs set up the process seemed less painful.

“Took me 2 minutes to set up , luckily had my MygovID set up beforehand,” one user shared to Facebook.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson conceded that the process was “fiddly” and could take up to 30 minutes but urged people to persevere.

“Setting up your digital identity does take some time,” she said.

“It’s important because it means your identity is properly verified and secure.”

The app briefly went down on Monday afternoon, with people attempting to set up their digital identity being placed in a queue.

“This is a new app and new process, and therefore teething issues are expected,” a State Government spokesperson said.

Proof people have been double-jabbed is required for venues taking in more than 500 punters, including nightclubs, music festivals and major events, pubs, taverns and the Crown gaming floor.

Further restrictions for unvaccinated West Aussies are just around the corner, with Ms Sanderson flagging possible vaccine entry-requirements for gyms, sporting events, and restaurants in coming days.

Deputy Liberal leader Libby Mettam was concerned staff would cop backlash from the McGowan Government’s “clunky” app.

“We know that downloading the app and the relevant documents requires multiple steps through other sites which takes time,” she said.

“It’s essential that small businesses won’t bear the brunt of any frustrations felt by Westerns Australians as they attempt to navigate the new system,” Ms Mettam said.