Duterte approves limited face-to-face classes in low-risk areas

President Rodrigo Duterte, who previously opposed physical classes until a coronavirus vaccine becomes available, has approved the proposal of the Department of Education (DepEd) to hold limited face-to-face classes in areas deemed to have low-risk COVID-19 transmission.

Photo credit: coconuts.com

Face-to-face learning can only be carried out starting January 2021, but private schools which have started physical classes last June will be allowed to continue. Also, schools will strictly follow imposed conditions.

The conditions are as follows:

• Face-to-face classes will be allowed only in low risk areas, or those already at least under modified general community quarantine or in the transition phase between general community quarantine and the new normal
• Face-to-face classes will be allowed in January 2021, or the third quarter of the school year. Private schools which have started limited face-to-face classes last June will be allowed to continue
• Decisions to allow limited, localized face-to-face classes will be made with due coordination between the Department of Education, the concerned local government units and the local health authorities
• Strictly health standards will be followed
• Pilot testing and inspection jointly with the National Task Force Against COVID-19 for observance of required health standards and protocols 

The specific health standards are as follows:

• No mask, no entry policy in school premises
• Hand washing and hand hygiene
• Regular disinfection in school premises
• Checking for temperature and respiratory symptoms
• Reduction in class size to 15 to 20 (maximum) and physical arrangement of seats conforming to required distances
• Intermittent attendance to school only, to complement distance learning
• Controls of flow of learners and personnel in entrance and exit
• No mass gatherings
• Visible instructions, signage's and markings
• Preparedness and case management system in coordination with LGUs and local health authorities for contact tracing, isolation and treatment

Classes are slated to start on August 24. DepEd reported that over 21 million students have enrolled for school year 2020-2021 compared to last year. But Briones revealed a "phenomenon" in which over 347,000 students of private schools opted to enroll in public schools this year due to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis to their parents' livelihood.