The city government here will issue a digital health certificate to adapt to the new normal and reduce face-to-face transactions.

“This is in compliance with the physical distancing guidelines which aim to minimize the risks of contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19),” city health office head Gloria Fabrigas said in a statement on Thursday.

Fabrigas, said they will start accepting online applications through the https://safecity.tacloban.gov.ph website this week.

Applicants must fill out important details in the online registration and upload all required documents for proper verification.

For the renewal of the health certificate, applicants must attach their old issued certificate and proof of residency from the barangay (village), while new applicants are required to upload proof of the legitimacy of their purpose for application, such as employment certificate and business permit, among others.

“The good thing about this is that it will be provided with the QR (quick response) code of the holder. So, from the registration, the applicant’s existing QR code will be required which will verify their identity, if he or she is a returning resident undergoing quarantine, or probable, suspected, or confirmed cases of coronavirus,” Fabrigas said.

She added the health certificate is free and will be used while the public health emergency is ongoing.

To date, the city has confirmed a total of 702 Covid-19 cases, with 544 recoveries and 11 deaths, based on the monitoring of its health office.

The city, the home to about 250,000 people, is the regional center and major commercial district of Eastern Visayas. (PNA)