Half of Metro Manila classrooms eyed as isolation centers

As confirmed cases of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue to go up, the government is eyeing the use of public schools as temporary quarantine facilities. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement that around 50 percent of public school classrooms in Metro Manila would be used as isolation centers. He added that the Department of Education and Department of Health had already given their approval. “Resumption of face-to-face classes is set in January 2021, if and when a vaccine and/or medicinal drug is expected to be produced,” he added. Public schools are set to open on Aug. 24 although classes will be done online and through printed modules and educational TV and radio shows. The Philippines has so far recorded more than 140,000 COVID-19 cases and over 2,000 deaths. Most of the cases are in the National Capital Region which remains under strict quarantine until Aug. 18. —Leila B. Salaverria