DepEd: Infection control plan per school required for in-person class

MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) assured the public that schools are expected to have an infection control plan or strategy in preparation for the start of face-to-face classes this month, considering the possible spike of cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a press briefing, the DepEd made the statement following the pronouncement of the Octa Research Group that there may be a possible surge of cases once the in-person classes resume.

“We take the Octa Research seriously as guidance. However, we look also on the study of [the United Nations Children’s Fund]. There’s actually no direct correlation between in-person classes and transmission, as long as the minimum safety standards are observed, most particularly the wearing of face mask. That is important),” Education spokesperson Michael Poa said.

Under DepEd Order 34, Poa noted that schools are required to have an “infection containment” strategy.

“‘That’s what we are hoping to see, what we call infection containment plan or strategy that the schools will implement. For instance, what are their plans if someone tests positive in school? Will they contain it? Will they suspend that particular class or the entire school? So that’s something we will require from them and our field offices will be monitoring to ensure that’s in place for each school,” he said.

No discrimination

Meanwhile, the DepEd guaranteed the public it is working with the Department of Health to bolster the vaccination campaign of the government, including counseling that will be launched in each region.

The education department maintained its position that vaccination is still voluntary and that no one will be discriminated against, especially since they are pushing for a face-to-face setup, to address learning loss.

“There will be no discrimination. So this year, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, the teachers, the non-teaching staff, and the learners, all of them can go to school and teachers can conduct classes),” he said.

Over 17.9 million students were enrolled as of Wednesday for the upcoming school year across the country.

The budget for constructing temporary learning spaces in quake-affected areas has already been downloaded, according to the DepEd.

Poa stated that each temporary walled and roofed learning space will cost PHP180,000.

He added that they are also conducting a mapping of affected areas in order to identify students who require additional learning materials, such as books.