Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said Tuesday that 16,600 out of the 43,600 applicants have already qualified as contact tracers.
In an interview over Teleradyo, Año revealed the hiring will be relentless until the ideal number of hired contact tracers reaches 50,000.
He added the contact tracers will receive P18,000 monthly salary and will trace the close contacts or those exposed to COVID-19 patients.
The DILG chief also insisted on the need to aggressively place all COVID-19 patients in the state-accredited isolation facilities.
Año added that those in close contact with the COVID-19 individuals should be locked down and tested before being determined if they are fit to get out of their houses.
He stressed this after making numerous declarations in the past that it is the best way to end the progressive transmission of the disease.
However, home quarantine will be allowed for patients with comorbidities and who have separate bedrooms and bathrooms.
On Monday, President Duterte retained Metro Manila under the general community quarantine (GCQ) from October 1 to 31.
In the same interview, National Task Force (NTF) COVID-19 spokesman retired Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that under the extended GCQ, Metro Manila residents can also fly to Boracay starting Oct. 1 provided that they tested negative for COVID-19 and have been quarantined before their trip.
“Kalibo town has a hospital and isolation facility where tourists who will catch the virus can go. Health protocols will be strictly enforced, including the wearing of masks at the beach, and a ban on sports activities and night parties,’’ said Año.
He added that Kalibo town authorities will be very strict in accommodating tourists.