Student from Isabela tested postive for COVID-19 after participating in a face-to-face class

On Friday, according to Mayor Bernard Faustino Dy, a private school student in Cauayan City, Isabela has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after attending a face-to-face class.

In an interview report, the learner, who is seen with mild symptoms is now admitted in an isolation facility in the area.

The Mayor confirmed that there were 20 other students who have attended the face-to-face class over the weekend. The local government of Cauayan City and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are already conducting an investigation on the case and currently conducting extensive contact tracing.

Mayroon po kaming currently iniimbestigahan together with CHED dahil apparently nagkaroon ng face-to-face [class] but it was not a normal school time, parang Sunday yata ginawa ‘yon so ito’y parang remedial class,

Dy said.

[We are currently investigating together with CHED because apparently there was a face-to-face (class) but it was not a normal school time, it looks like it was done on a Sunday so it looks like a remedial class.]

Dy said the private school was not authorized by CHED to conduct face-to-face classes.

Hindi in-allow ng CHED that’s why iniimbestigahan po namin dahil umabot rin sa kanila ‘yong report at ‘yon nga po, walang pahintulot mula sa LGU or sa CHED,

he added.

[CHED did not allow [the face-to-face class] that's why we are investigating because the report also reached them, there was no permission from LGU or CHED.]

There is a possibility that the school’s permit to operate will be revoked.

In earlier reports, CHED is eyeing the conduct of limited in-person classes in areas classified as low-risk modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) by January. However, the learning sessions need to comply with health protocols, and guidelines set by the commission and local government. The health protocols include the mandatory wearing of face mask and shields, disinfection of premises, social distancing, among others.

Meanwhile, Cauayan City, which is under a modified general community quarantine, recorded a total of 23 cases of COVID-19.