QC LGU to launch KyusiPass to strengthen contact tracing efforts

The Quezon City government will intensify its contact tracing efforts through the use of an application.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the KyusiPass could monitor individuals who visit various establishments within the city.

"Currently, our businesses are requiring their guests to fill-up health declaration forms. Through our KyusiPass, they will just tap their QR code onto the scanner and their information, including their name and mobile number, will automatically be sent to our servers handled by our City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (CESU),” Belmonte explained in a statement.

According to Belmonte, each individual, with a valid mobile number who is residing, working, or doing business in Quezon City, is required to get a personal QR code.

She said they could register by signing up on the SafePass website, SafePass Facebook chatbot, and even through SMS.

According to the city's Local Economic Investment Promotions Office (LEIPO) head, Perry Dominguez, the local government wants to make KyusiPass used by all establishments by the end of the month.

“Given the size of our city, it will take us a few weeks to fully implement the use of this contact tracing app city-wide," Dominguez said.

"Hopefully, before this month ends, all our businesses would have adopted this app through the widespread information campaign we will launch. Using this app will be more convenient for them, as well as for their customers,” he added.

Dominguez said data privacy would be ensured, noting that no business will be able to retrieve their guests’ personal data.

“We will see to it that we adhere to the Data Privacy Law. Establishments will not be able to get their visitors’ data,” Dominguez explained.

Dr. Rolly Cruz, CESU's head, explained that only CESU would have access to the visitors’ data and assured residents that the data will only be retrieved when contact tracing is needed.

“Our QCitizens have nothing to worry about because their data will be protected and secured. Only us in CESU can access their information, and only if we need to trace the contacts of a ‘positive’ visitor from a specific establishment,” Cruz said.

The city's Business Permits and Licensing Department will lead the implementation of KyusiPass to businesses and establishments. The office is also set to give orientation on how the application will be used. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News