DOST anticipating checkpoints even in ‘new normal’

Authorities anticipate that checkpoints set up in connection with quarantine measures brought about by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis will still be needed even when the country transitions to a "new normal," an official said Thursday.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato dela Peña made the statement as he discussed applications for Rapid Pass, an identification system intended to limit contact between checkpoint personnel and individuals authorized to be out of their homes.

"Ang pinaghahandaan po natin ay 'yung sitwasyon na kahit dumating na itong katapusan ng ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), dahil sa new normal, kakailanganin pa rin po natin ang mga checkpoint sa aming tingin," he said at the Laging Handa briefing.

Dela Peña said more than 2,500 Rapid Pass applications have been registered  and around 1,800 have been approved. The rest are pending processing and some have been disapproved, he said.

He expressed appreciation to the Philippine National Police for enforcing the Rapid Pass system on the ground. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) supervises the project in terms of quality assurance, cyber security, and data management, while the DOST serves as the project coordinator, he said.

The DICT earlier said it received a surge of applications when Rapid Pass was launched but claimed it will improve implementation. This week, the department urged bulk applications to fast-track processing.

Rapid Pass is a virtual identification system that aims to ensure easier passage through checkpoints and other persons exempted from strict quarantine measures.

The system asks entities to apply for a digital pass, download and save or print a unique QR code, and show this code to checkpoint personnel for scanning during inspections.

Several places in the Philippines will be under a general community quarantine starting May 1, but Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON and other areas will remain under the stricter ECQ until May 15.

According to the Department of Health, however, people living in areas that will have relatively relaxed quarantine measures will still have to wear face masks and observe physical distancing in the "new normal." — RSJ, GMA News