IATF OKs use of automatic contact tracing through Smart Messaging System

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to use automatic contact tracing through the Smart Messaging System.

"Mapapalakas at mai-improve nito ang paggamit ng StaySafe.ph," said  Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in his briefing on Sunday afternoon.

(This will strengthen and improve the use of StaySafe.ph app)

The StaySafe.ph system is the government's official social distancing, COVID-19 health condition reporting, and contact tracing system.

To ensure interoperability and integration of all contact tracing applications in the StaySafe.ph system, Roque said that a beta test, along with the proposed messaging of the Smart Messaging System, will be conducted in Pasig City on May 1.

A beta-test of the new system will also be held in the consortium of Antipolo and the cities of Pasig, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela on May 1, 2021, with access to COVID-19 Document Repository System (CDRS).

Apart from the use of an automatic tracing system, Roque said the IATF also adopted the recommendation to immediately complete the transfer of ownership of the CDRS to the Department of Health, and to immediately integrate the CDRS with the StaySafe.ph system and other local contact tracing systems and applications.

The body also adopted the proposal of the Department of Tourism to construct free and temporary public walk-in and drive-thru vaccination centers in the vacant portion of the lots located in the Nayong Pilipino property in Parañaque City.

During the same briefing, Roque announced that Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna will be placed under modified enhanced community quarantine, along with Santiago City, Isabela; Quirino province; and Abra. — DVM, GMA News