IATF approves face-to-face college classes in Alert Level 1-3 areas

Face-to-face classes will be allowed again in any college course in Alert Level 1-3 areas in accordance with a resolution approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

The news was confirmed by acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles in a statement Wednesday.

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“Based under the Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Levels System for COVID-19 Response, limited face-to-face classes are now allowed under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3,” said Nograles.

“In line with this, the IATF yesterday, which adopts the Commission on Higher Education’s proposed Phased Implementation of Limited Face-to-Face Classes for All Programs under the Alert Levels System for COVID-19 Response of [Commission on Higher Education].”

Despite this, there are conditions before it can be implemented in such tertiary education institutions:

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  • 50% indoor venue capacity
  • should not be opposed by the local government
  • teachers, students, and non-teaching personnel who participate must be fully-vaccinated

The return of face-to-face classes will be conducted by phase:

Phase 1 (Begins in December 2021)

Alert Level 1
Alert Level 2

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“During this phase, all higher education institutions (HEIs) in areas under Alert Level 2 may apply for limited face-to-face classes,” said Nograles.

IATF approves face-to-face college classes in Alert Level 1-3 areas

Phase 2 (Begins in January 2022)

Alert Level 3

“In this phase, all HEIs in areas under Alert Level 3 may apply for limited face-to-face classes,” Nograles said.

“The continued implementation of proactive measures and restrictions must be put in place to slow down the surge in COVID-19 cases, stop further spread of variants, buy time for the health system to cope, and to protect more lives,” the resolution said.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH) earlier issued Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001 or the Guidelines on the Gradual Reopening of Campuses of HEIs for Limited Face-to-Face Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It would guide HEIs that want to conduct limited face-to-face classes.

In the last report of the Department of Health on Tuesday, up to 2.81 million people have been affected by COVID-19 in the country. Of that number, 45,808 people have died.

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