Quick Response (QR) code scanning will be mandatory for residents of Davao del Norte and everyone who will enter the province starting September 16.

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin U. Jubahib signed signed an executive order (EO) mandating the use of the QR code scanning system throughout the province for use of the province’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Contact Tracing System (DCCTS).

The QR Code Scanning “shall be employed for the sole purpose of recording the person’s entry at any given place and time within Davao del Norte Province”, according to the EO.

“The basic personal information and related data collected in the DCCTS shall be used for no other purpose other than to support and expedite the tracing of persons within the Province who may have contact with an infected person in the event that a positive COVID-19 case is reported in the Province,” it continued.

The EO mandates all individuals who have transactions in any private establishment or government office/agency within Davao del Norte Province must register for and secure a QR Code.

Davao del Norte residents need to register and secure their QR Codes in their respective city/municipality or barangay.

Non-residents of the province who have transactions in any municipality or city in the province can get their QR codes by registering via https://davnorsystems.gov.ph/DavNorContactTracing.

“In the event that a non-resident was not able to secure a QR Code via online, they may secure the same from the Local Government Unit (LGU) where they intend to go. Registrants are required to present a valid Identification Card (ID) or government-issued ID for verification and reference,” the EO states.

All QR codes are free of charge and is only issued to Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR);

The EO also mandates all private establishments, religious institutions, churches, schools, local and national government offices in the province to provide their own IT equipment to download and install QR code scanning application.

LGUs in the province shall designate their own QR Code scanning areas within their locality. Public places like markets, transport terminals, malls, and the likes that have multiple entrances must install QR Code Scanning Areas in each entry point.

All private gatherings and events, such as weddings, baptisms, anniversaries and the likes, must also secure a permit from their local government so that a QR scanning facility would be installed at the venue. Guests and visitors who are non-residents of the province need to secure their QR Code first before attending the event.

As of September 16, Davao del Norte has 4 new confirmed Covid-19 cases, 1 new death and 50 active cases.  The province has a total of 294 confirmed cases, 239 recoveries and 5 deaths.   Rommel F. Lopez