DepEd expects LGUs to vacate schools used as isolation facilities for COVID-19 until July 31

The Local Government Units (LGUs) are only given until July 31 to vacate classrooms that were converted as quarantine facilities.

Photo credit: manilatimes.net

DepEd initially allowed LGUs to use schools as isolation facilities from April 1 to June 1 and they asked for extensions many times.

The schools used as quarantine facilities should have been vacated last month but there were LGUs who requested extensions because they have yet to establish their respective quarantine facility, said Regional Director Dante Balao of the Office of the Civil.

"We approved their request but it would be up to July 31 only. By that time, LGUs are expected to have their respective quarantine facilities set up already," Balao said.

As the starting of classes is near, facilities will be prepared for the incoming opening. Regional Director Estella Cariño of DepEd is hoping that LGUs will no longer request for another extension.

"Although there will be no face-to-face classes, teachers still need to go to their classrooms to prepare for their lessons and perform tasks whatever modality will they implement," Cariño said.

"We will also be having a dry-run next week on how shall we conduct classes using the different modalities that we have prepared," she added.

Balao assured Cariño that LGUs will adhere to the ultimatum.

He also urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government to issue memorandum to all LGUs enforcing the agreement to vacate schools that are being used as quarantine facilities.