The Davao City COVID-19 Task Force has clarified that only the expanded contact tracing through the Safe Davao QR was suspended through a recent executive order, and not the entire contact tracing strategy being implemented as part of the city’s COVID-19 response.
“Contact tracing was not eliminated. Ang atoang traditional na contact tracing naa gihapon. Pag duna’y mag-positive, i-contact trace gihapon ang iyang mga close contacts (Our traditional contact tracing remains. If somebody turns out positive for COVID-19, his or her close contacts will still be traced),” Davao City COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said during the COVID-19 Alert program of 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) that was aired on Wednesday, March 10, 2022.
She said the DQR was used for expanded contact tracing in the management of past COVID-19 surges.
The city health official explained that Executive Order (EO) No. 11 Series of 2022, which lifts most COVID-19 restrictions in Davao City, did not state that contact tracing was suspended but only the use of DQR for contact tracing was suspended.
Dr. Schlosser maintained that the city still complies with the Department of Health (DOH) memorandum on contact tracing, isolation, and quarantining protocols when one is infected with COVID-19.
“Ang DQR scanning man gud nato typically used nato sya to expand our contact tracing although karon ginapakuha nato og DQR ang mga tao for vaccination purposes (Our DQR scanning was typically used to expand our contact tracing although we still ask people now to get a DQR for vaccination purposes),” she added.
However, she maintained that any private-owned establishment or office may still opt to create restrictions within their premises whether they implement DQR scanning or social distancing or wearing of a face shield.
She said, “Because it is under their premise naa sila’y karapatan (they have the right) since they own and manage the place.”
The wearing of face masks and frequent handwashing are the minimum public health standards (MPHS) mandated in Davao City through EO 11 Series of 2022. CIO
