DepEd to LGUs: You can use public schools as quarantine facilities but…

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) should first coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) if they intend to turn public schools in their respective areas as quarantine facilities for patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This was stated in a memorandum from DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones released Friday and was announced by Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla in a press briefing.

“Any decision concerning public schools should be made in consultation with DepEd, and in cooperation with DepEd officials on the ground and in compliance with the Department of Health (DOH) guidelines, with due consideration to specific conditions,” the memorandum stated.

Among the guidelines for assessing the LGU’s request is to specify its intended purpose or use for the school, identify the particular facility and the duration of use.

LGUs must also “show that all other facilities have been duly assessed and were found to be inadequate. Schools can be recommended only when no other facilities are available.

The memorandum added that  LGUs must present a management plan of the schools under the supervision of a City or Municipal Health Officer in order to conform to DOH’s standards and guidelines.

LGUs should also ensure “safekeeping of all property and valuables in the school premises during the operation of the facility; payment of utilities for the period; the conduct of the general cleaning and fumigation, and repair and/or replacement of damaged school facilities as a result of the use of the school; and, payment of expenses related to the setting-up, operation and clearing of the areas used.”

The Manila City government earlier said it will convert public schools in the city into isolation rooms for persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 should hospitals reach their full capacities and can no longer accommodate more patients.

San Juan City local government, also said that it would be putting-up a 100-bed quarantine facility at an unattended building of the San Juan City Science High School.

/MUF