Vice Presiden Leni Robredo urged the Department of Education (DepEd) anew to consider allowing face-to-face classes in COVID-19 low-risk areas as the public schools begin remote learning today, October 5.
In her weekly radio, Robredo shows that some areas with no COVID-19 transmission could conduct in-person classes at least twice per week to teach core competencies like math, science, and reading.
The Vice President said that based on the Department of Health data, there are around 400 areas nationwide that could hold limited face-to-face classes.
“So maybe it would be easier for them to devise a design for face-to-face classes, even if not every day, so long as there are students who go to class,” she said.
In July, the Malacañang announced that limited face-to-face classes would be allowed starting January 2021, subject to the government’s guidelines.
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
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Robredo urges face-to-face classes in COVID-19 low-risk areas
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