DAVAO CITY (PNA) – Mayor Sara Z. Duterte on Tuesday issued an executive order detailing the use of the Quick Response (QR) code system starting November 7.

Duterte said the Safe Davao QR aims to help expedite contact tracing and enforce the ban on non-essential travel.

The system, she said, was needed to control the further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the city due to the full occupancy of beds at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), and temporary treatment and monitoring facilities.

In her directive, Duterte underscored the importance of contact tracing in combating COVID-19.

“With the QR, we can easily trace those people in contact with a positive person in a certain area. Also, the paper and pen contact tracing form, it has compromised the privacy of data and is a potential source of transmission of the virus," she said in a radio interview.
"Apart from that, there is a proliferation of extortion in text messages where the source is probably the contact tracing forms being filled up in the establishments,” she added.

Duterte said the “Safe Davao QR” or DQR could also be used as a pass to enter and travel inside Davao City.

“If they are from other provinces and work here in the city, they need to secure their DQR. If they only visit the city, they still have to get the DQR,” she said.

For airplane travelers, the mayor said passengers should register for two codes: their QR code for exit from the Davao International Airport, and their DQR.

The executive order also directed Dabawenyos to bring their DQRs if they leave their step out of their residences, or go beyond three meters from their houses for structures without gates.

Barangay personnel have been tasked to randomly scan people within their area of responsibility to check for violations on the prohibition of non-essential travel.

In addition, the DQR of individuals, who are less than 18 years and more than 65 years, would indicate that they are part of the vulnerable sector "to forewarn the checkpoints, offices, and establishments."

Duterte also warned that any shop or person caught making or selling fake identities and registering for a DQR will immediately be ordered closed or criminally charged.