THE Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has joined the growing number of facilities and establishments that use a contact tracing application in a bid to remain as contactless as possible due to the pandemic.
GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), the private operator of MCIA, worked together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) in the implementation and usage of the contact tracing app called Traze.
Starting Nov. 28, 2020, all passengers will be required to download and register on the Traze app in order to be permitted entry into the terminal.
The use of the Traze app follows the direction of DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade to strengthen the government’s efforts against Covid-19 through intensive contact tracing, especially in public transportation hubs.
“We fully support this great initiative by the government that ensures the safety of the passengers and the entire airport community through automated contact tracing. This also enhances the efficiency of contact tracing at the airport as it reduces the previous manual process,” Andrew Harrison, GMCAC chief executive advisor, said.
By downloading and registering for an account on the Traze App, passengers scan the QR codes located at designated points in the terminals before being allowed to enter the airport. Passengers without smartphones to download the app can approach the Malasakit Helpdesks located at Terminal 1 Departure Grand Lobby and Terminal 2 Arrivals.
“We welcome this unified contact tracing system to further reassure our passengers that we are doing everything possible to help contain Covid-19. By using a QR code, Traze speeds up to an instant the tedious, time-consuming and inaccurate manual contact tracing process among all departing and arriving passengers,” Steve Dicdican, MCIAA general manager and chief executive office, said.
The pilot testing for Traze began on Oct. 28, 2020 at the MCIA, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Clark International Airport and Davao International Airport.
Anniversary
Meanwhile, during the MCIA’s sixth anniversary, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino acknowledged the consortium’s contribution to the economy of Cebu and the rest of the Visayas.
“We commend GMCAC and MCIA for their invaluable support in realizing the growth and development of Cebu and the Visayas. Their tireless efforts have resulted in the seamless connections to the rest of the world,” said Dino.
Tourism and trade further progressed in Cebu since the privatization of the MCIA.
In 2019, the MCIA handled a total of 12.66 million passengers, up 11 percent from 11.38 million in 2018. International passengers accounted for 4.29 million of the passengers, up 14 percent from 2018. / JOB WITH PR