Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 10) — Multisys Technologies Corporation, the developer of the country’s contact tracing app StaySafe, said about two million Filipinos have registered in the platform since they re-launched on Sept. 3.
Aside from this, Multisys CEO and founder David Almirol, Jr. told CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon that about 3,000 businesses have also registered to use the app in their daily operations.
The government launched StaySafe to be able to improve contact tracing efforts as a way to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The app was first introduced in April.
The platform, which can be accessed through its website staysafe.ph or be downloaded on smartphones, requires users to register through their mobile numbers.
Just like a health declaration form, they will be asked to choose which among the symptoms of COVID-19 applies to them to determine their health condition.
Data collected is stored in the Department of Health’s database, which could be accessed by contact tracers. Information collected here can help the government determine the COVID-19 response especially in areas with high number of infections.
Users are also notified if there are suspected or confirmed cases in certain areas.
Specifically for establishments, Almirol said that the QR code feature of the system replaces manual logging of customer information through pen and paper, which could be another way to transmit the virus. He noted that information collected is protected by the company itself.
Almirol said this can also be used by ride-hailing services like Grab for health checking. After scanning the QR code of the passenger, a color will indicate if the person is a confirmed case (violet) or not (green).
Meanwhile, Almirol reassured users that surveillance will only be for confirmed cases and that there will be no data security issues since a user only needs his mobile number to register.
By downloading the app, you make sure that you protect yourself and the people around you, he said.
