DepEd clarifies face-to-face classes optional

The Department of Education (DepEd) clarified that the implementation of face-to-face classes by January 2021 is optional.

The education department also said only blended and distance learning would be implemented in the teaching system at the opening of the school year 2020-2021 on August 24.

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Malacañang announced that limited face-to-face classes would be allowed starting January 2021, which was criticized by many.

In an interview with RMN Manila, DepEd Undersecretary Revsee Escobedo clarified that the limited face-to-face learning proposal is only optional for schools that want to implement it.

According to Escobedo, DepEd is not the only agency that would decide on whether a school could allow face-to-face classes in a particular area.

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DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones earlier clarified that learners are not forced to participate in the said process.

DepEd had earlier asserted that they did not initiate conducting face-to-face classes, but it was a proposal by Local Government Units (LGUs), private schools, stakeholders, and legislators for low-risk areas.

Guidelines for face-to-face classes

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  • 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 that 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.
  • Stringent health standards will be followed.
  • Pilot testing and inspection jointly with the National Task Force Against COVID-19 for the observance of required health standards and protocols

Also read: Metro Manila may return to MECQ if cases reach 85k by end-July

The following specific health standards should be strictly observed:

  • 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 the flow of learners and personnel in entrance and exit
  • No mass gatherings
  • Visible instructions, signages, and markings
  • Preparedness and case management system in coordination with LGUs and local health authorities for contact tracing, isolation, and treatment