Malacañang announced that limited face-to-face classes would be allowed starting January 2021, subject to the guidelines given by the government.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said face-to-face classes would be allowed if the following conditions are met:
- 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
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
Also read: DepEd: Schools to accept late enrollees until September
Meanwhile, DepEd Secretary clarified that learners are not forced to participate in the said process.
“Hindi lahat, hindi pinipilit lahat ng mga learners na dumaan sa prosesong ito ,” Briones added.
(We are not forcing all learners to participate in this process.)
She said parents could choose to have their children attend online classes if they don’t want them to go to school.
DepEd is also preparing for classes via radio, television, or reading materials to address problems on internet and gadgets.
Briones added schools must have water and medicine supply and must be regularly visited by health workers.
“Mahalaga ang suporta ng local government…kasing-halaga ng suporta at cooperation ng parents,” she added.
(Support from the local government and cooperation from the parents are essential.)