1,212 schools used as quarantine facilities: DepEd

There are 1,212 schools now in use as COVID-19 quarantine facilities in various parts of the country, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

According to DepEd data, Eastern Visayas has the most schools used as quarantine facilities, at 422.

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Only four schools are in use in the National Capital Region (NCR), which is considered the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, based on the data.

“Bakit mas marami sa ibang region kaysa sa NCR eh si NCR mataas ang surge? Mas marami ho kasing facilities dito ang ating mga hospitals at ang iba pang facility na ginagamit,” said Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua.

According to DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, schools should be the last resort as quarantine facilities.

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She said the Department of Health should first check whether the school is suitable for use as a quarantine facility, and local government units should focus on its use.

According to the secretary, the use of the school as both an isolation and vaccination center should be avoided.

One of the schools that serve as a quarantine site is Neptali A. Gonzales High School (MPNAG) in Mandaluyong City.

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1,212 schools used as quarantine facilities: DepEd

Of the 94 isolated at the school, 77 were confirmed cases of COVID-19.

There are 112 rooms in 3 unused school buildings. Two patients remain in one room, with a full divider.

According to Dr. Emily Detaro, facility manager of MPNAG prioritizes the recovery of patients and the safety of health care workers.

“Kahit magkakapitbahay kayo, hindi puwedeng magkwentuhan kasi puro positive na sila. Tapos pagdating naman sa safety ng staff, I see to it na every time pupunta doon, naka-PPE (personal protective equipment) sila,” said Detaro.

She said there will be a decontamination of all parts of the buildings in case the school is used for academic activities.

Meanwhile, a large mall chain donated mattresses, pillows, and linen to the Philippine Red Cross for use by universities that will serve as isolation facilities.

Temporary isolation areas are expected to be available this week at Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines Diliman, De La Salle University, and Adamson University.