DOTr launches app for contactless tracing

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has launched an application that will allow authorities to obtain passenger information without contact to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras,”  both Android and iOS users may use the Traze app to scan the QR code posted on airports to be registered at the tracing server.

Meanwhile, those without mobile devices may ask for help at the Malasakit Help Desk in airports.

Through the app, users may be quickly informed if a passenger that they have traveled with, both in terminals and airplanes, has tested positive for COVID-19.

The use of the Traze app is still not mandatory. It is only available at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Davao International Airport, Clark Airport, and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

By November 28, however, all airports in the country will be using the Traze application.

“We will make sure that all CAAP-operated airports will strictly implement the use of Traze,” CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco said.

Authorities are also looking to use the application on other modes of transportation such as the railway.

“By making certain tweaks in the application and improving the application further, we can actually make the application applicable and usable in other modes of transportation,” Jay Daniel Santiago, Philippine Ports Authority General Manager, said.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News