Implementing Agency:
City Government of Baguio
Year Implemented:
21 March 2020-present
Themes:
Management for Productivity, Quality, and Agility, Digitization & New Technologies, and Productivity and Public Sector Data Measurement and Analysis
General Description
The EndCov-19 Tracking System implemented by the City Government of Baguio allows law enforcement and health authorities to monitor and manage COVID-19 cases in the city using automated data analysis in order to curb the rapid spread of the virus.
Background and Problem
Given the contagiousness of COVID-19, particularly before the development of vaccines, the identification and isolation of potential cases through contact tracing was the optimal way to prevent transmission. In the early months of the pandemic, local government units (LGUs) were tasked with establishing their own methods and systems for detecting and tracking the spread of the virus in their territories.
Solution and Impact
Established on 21 March 2020, the EndCov-19 Tracking System (endcov19.baguio.gov.ph) uses a case management analysis system to identify, isolate, test, and trace individuals that may have been exposed to the virus. Using the system’s dashboard, contact tracing staff can input data for real-time monitoring in order to establish a timeline for potential cases under observation. The system combines aggregate and case-based surveillance to report and track potentially infected individuals, provides a mechanism for following up on possible contact with known cases, and allows travelers who have visited high-risk areas to log health declaration forms.
The LGU’s City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) provides guidance in determining the possible source of infection and who might have been infected. These individuals will be subjected to tests, quarantine, or medical interventions. The system also uses QGIS Geospatial Analysis to map out trends in the spread of COVID-19 within the city. It generates a map of COVID-19 cases by overlaying it on affected localities, checkpoints, barangay health centers, hospitals, and other critical public areas, thus revealing possible patterns in exposure and infection.
Dashboard of EndCov-19 Tracking System (Source: endcov19.baguio.gov.ph)
Milestones
In response to the increasing COVID-19 cases in the city, more than 160 contact tracers from DILG, Baguio City Police, Philippine Military Academy, and partner business process outsourcing (BPO) companies underwent training to enhance their skills and capacity to utilize the EndCov-19 Tracking System. The training covered the retooled contact tracing process flow, the legal aspects of contact tracing, the use of the case investigation form, the system’s analytical tools, and the decontamination and management of the deceased.
Photos
Geospatial data and information of COVID-19 case in Baguio City. (Source: Dr. Celia Flor Cascolan-Brillantes, MD, MPH, PHSAE, FPSVI)
Sources
Cabreza, V. (2020, May 28). ‘Out-of-the-box’ tracing helps Baguio contain COVID-19 spread. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1282085/out-of-the-box-tracing-helps-baguio-contain-virus-spread
City Government of Baguio. (n.d.). Covid-19 Monitor. eGov Baguio. http://endcov19.baguio.gov.ph/
Department of Health. (2021, May). COVID-19 FAQS. https://doh.gov.ph/COVID-19/FAQs#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20is%20transmitted,who%20has%20respiratory%20symptoms.
Local Government Academy (2020). Online Talakayan 9: Pioneering Ways in Fighting Covid-19: The Baguio City Contact Tracing and Detection Experience. L!stong Ugnayan, Covid-19 ay Labanan, Issue No. 6. https://v2v.lga.gov.ph/media/uploads/2/Publications%20PDF/Others/2020/Online%20Talakayan%20Series%20Publication%20Issue%2006%20s2020.pdf
Public Information Office – City of Baguio. (2020, May 7). Contact Tracing: Baguio City’s E-system of COVID-19 tracking explained [Status Update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=279674376381686
Rola, A. (2020, April 8). Naming patients, mass testing key to Baguio City’s COVID-19 prevention – mayor. CNN Philippines. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/regional/2020/4/8/Baguio-no-new-COVID-19-cases-naming-patients-mass-testing.html
Public Information Office – City of Baguio. (2021, September 12). 160 Contact Tracers undergo Training [Status Update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=846540859331371&id=306028116715984