QR CODE. Executive Assistant Francis Cruz explains the process of securing the quick response (QR) code in a press conference Monday (Nov. 16, 2020). After a two-week moratorium, all residents, visitors and those working in the city will have to show their QR code prior to entering offices and establishments. (PNA photo by Arnold Almacen/CMO)
ILOILO CITY – Effective next month, offices and establishments here will use the quick response (QR) code as means to fast-track contact tracing for those who will be confirmed positive of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and identify those who are on a quarantine period.
Executive Assistant Francis Cruz said individuals six years old and above who are residents, working, or visiting this city have to secure their QR codes.
“Registration starts today. We are looking at like a week or two moratorium and the full implementation after that,” Cruz said in a press briefing Monday.
Registrants can register through www.uswagtracer.com. For successful registration, a confirmation email with their codes, site access, and user manual will be sent to the registrant.
They can either print and have the code laminated or have it screen captured in their mobile phones and present it for scanning upon entry to any office or mall.
Upon scanning, it will be known whether the individual is positive for Covid-19, or is supposed to be on quarantine.
Once verified, the city government will have to be alerted for appropriate action.
Through this, Cruz said individuals who are supposed to be on quarantine will be prevented from going out.
“Our objective is to stop the spread as much as we can,” he added.
The IT division said a three-level security is in place for data that will be encoded by the registrant.
He added they have been meeting with government offices and business establishments since last week, and they will also be talking with barangay officials for their support to the initiative.
Meanwhile, apart from the QR code, the city government announced that restobars will be closed effective Monday because it is difficult to “police” these establishments.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the city government’s Covid team has decided to implement the rule of the national Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) that bans selling of alcoholic drinks in public places in areas classified under general community quarantine (GCQ).
Treñas said while the city government has allowed bars to operate, they are not yet supposed to sell alcoholic drinks.
“It is clear in the executive order,” he said.
However, since there are those that sell, the city government then decided to just close restobars. (PNA)
