Dr. Michelle Schlosser, the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesman said that not the entire contact tracing strategy being implemented as part of the city’s COVID-19 response is lifted.
"Contact tracing was not eliminated. Our traditional contact tracing remains. If somebody turns out positive for COVID-19, his or her close contacts will still be traced,” Schlosser said in a report from the City Information Office (CIO).
She said the DQR was used for expanded contact tracing in the management of past COVID-19 surges.
Schlosser said the Executive Order (EO) No. 11 Series of 2022 signed by Mayor Sara Duterte on Monday (March 7) which lifts most COVID-19 restrictions in the city , did not state that contact tracing was suspended but only the use of DQR for contact tracing was suspended.
Schlosser maintained that the city still complies with the Department of Health (DOH) memorandum on contact tracing, isolation, and quarantining protocols when one is infected with COVID-19.
"Our DQR scanning was typically used to expand our contact tracing although we still ask people now to get a DQR for vaccination purposes,” she added.
She, however, said that any private-owned establishment or office may still opt to create restrictions within their premises whether they implement DQR scanning or social distancing or wearing of a face shield.
“They have the right since they own and manage the place,” she said.
The order emphasized that face masks should be worn at all times except when eating or drinking.
Handwashing facilities with soap and water or alcohol and hand sanitizers must be available for everyone inside businesses, offices, and other establishments.
Meanwhile, the one-meter distancing requirement had already been lifted.
Facebook Conversations