The Pasay City government rolled-out a contactless Quick Response (QR) Code System App to accelerate its COVID-19 contract tracing efforts. Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano said that the internet-based QR code technology was designed to give real-time updates of information and data to the city’s Contact Tracing Command Center (CTCC). Once operational, an individual’s whereabouts before a COVID-19 diagnosis would be recorded to the system.
Mayor Calixto-Rubiano added that the abovementioned project is in response to the city’s preventive measures to contain potential virus transmissions in the country. The mayor added that the advanced digital contact tracing app’s key features include the ability to investigate COVID-19 cases, reveal testing results, provide clinical information, and conduct quarantine management.
Pasay residents and commercial establishments surrounding the area are being urged to utilise the QR Code COVID-19 Tracer App to ameliorate to the city’s contact tracing efforts. Furthermore, those using the QR code system will no longer need to undergo the long and arduous process of filling-up forms that potentially pose a high risk for possible virus transmission upon entering establishments.
The mayor also introduced and demonstrated the COVID-19 Tracer App to the Mayor of Baguio, Benjamin Magalong during his recent visit to Pasay City Hall.
The Department Of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office in Calabarzon also rolled-out the QR code tracing app. It has the same features as that of Pasay City. It reads body temperature, writes down contact details and allows for quick tracing of visitors and employees.
DOLE IV-A Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena said that the online service aims to respond to the challenges brought about by the pandemic by developing new systems, innovating ways to communicate, and in bringing fresh approaches in providing better client experience while observing health and safety protocols.
The protocol for DOLE IV-A Regional Office employees and clients is to scan the QR code using their mobile phone or tablets before entering the premises to ensure that both personnel and guests are negative with COVID-19 and that there are no possible chances of transmitting any virus inside.
Users will be required to provide their contact information after scanning the code posted at the office entrance and they are obliged to answer a set of questions on symptoms that will be evaluated by safety officers on duty.
Director Jalbuena added that the purpose of the abovementioned precautionary measure is to assist public health authorities to find persons who are at risk quickly, helping them to get early diagnosis and treatment once detected with COVID-19 and to ensure that everyone is protected at all times.
Furthermore, to maintain contactless transactions and safeguard the welfare of its employees and clients, DOLE IV-A has devised its Client Appointment System, Request for Assistance Online Filing System, Registration of Establishment, and Request for Certificate of Involuntary Separation for SSS Unemployment benefits.
It has also developed an online system for applying for Construction Safety and Health Programme, application for no pending cases, report of safety organization, annual medical report, registration of job service contractor/job contractor, request for a technical safety inspection, application for an alien employment permit, etc.
OpenGov Asia reported on the initiative of DOLE-10 to use the same QR Code Tracing App for its employees and clients. The success of the implementation paved the way to a more comprehensive roll-out of the system.
Earlier in July government agencies, the police force and health sectors in Central Luzon participated in an in-depth one-day training on contact tracing held in Camp Olivas, San Fernando, Pampanga to update themselves on the latest developments.
