Local officials on Thursday said the Quick Response (QR) code for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) contact tracing mechanism is still in effect.

In an interview, Dr. Teodulfo Joselito Retuya Jr., city health office epidemiologist, said the QR codes generated through the Higala App have been useful even when public health protocols have been eased.

“We will still know those who did not tell the truth of their whereabouts because we can see in the database where they have been (those who contracted Covid-19),” he said.

Retuya said the QR codes are still necessary because the Covid-19 response is still active, especially since the cases have spiked once more.

As of Wednesday, the CHO recorded another 21 new Covid-19 cases, leading to a cumulative 124 active cases here.

The use of QR codes and scanning through the Higala App was institutionalized through City Ordinance 14023-2021. (PNA)