The city government of Pasig has required all residents and business establishments to use a quick response (QR) code system as the city expanded its contract tracing solution to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In his social media post, Mayor Vico Sotto urged residents and business establishments to get their own “PasigPass” QR code.

“This is our more efficient contact tracing solution. Commercial establishments and religious groups are now starting to implement it throughout the city,” he said.

The city government said the QR code system will prevent people from having direct contact with strangers when manually filling out health declaration or contact tracing forms.

Apart from preventing local transmission of Covid-19, the city government said the new contact tracing solution will secure people’s private information while ensuring efficient and contactless contact tracing efforts.

“With PasigPass, people will no longer have to write in health declaration/contact tracing forms or logbooks — they will simply need to present their PasigPass QR codes and have it scanned by business establishments,” the city government said in its advisory.

The city government said the use of PasigPass, a contact tracing solution specifically made for the city which runs via QR code system, has earlier piloted at the city hall.

“When we launched it last month, a lot of you have been asking when it will be implemented in the City. We piloted the use of PasigPass QR code in Pasig City Hall, now, we’ll be implementing it Pasig-wide,” the city government said.

The system allowed offices to run real-time communication in handling Covid-19 responses including tracing, testing, isolation, and treatment.

Residents who don’t have smartphones with them will also be provided with PasigPass by setting up various stations within the city where they can register and download their assigned QR codes.

“The PasigPass QR code can be printed! Some barangays have taken the initiative to help out in assisting their residents to register to PasigPass, so for those without an internet connection or smartphone, you may check with your barangay,” the local government said.

SM Hypermart and SM East Ortigas were the first establishments to implement the contact tracing solution within the city, according to Sotto.

“Thanks to malls and other establishments that already use Pasig Pass, the digital contact tracing solution of Pasig City,” he said.

Sotto assured that PasigPass is more efficient, hassle-free, and safer than the manual practice of filling out the contact tracing forms.

He added that it will also be compliant with the country’s Data Privacy Act in terms of storing various medical records of each patient.

Residents could get their own QR code via pasigpass.pasigcity.gov.ph.

Under the PasigPass ordinance, the city government said the QR code will now be required upon entry to all business establishments in the city.

Some business establishments, including malls and department stores, have already started implementing the “no PasigPass, no entry” policy.

The city said registration to PasigPass is open for all residents and those who are working and frequently visit Pasig, aged 18 years old and above. (PNA)