DepEd vows action against those responsible for ‘superspreader’ seminars in Zambales

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales –– The Department of Education (DepEd) has vowed to impose disciplinary actions on those who breached health protocols during the seminars that triggered an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a statement released Wednesday, the DepEd said it had no prior approval of face-to-face activities related to In-Service Training and other seminars for teachers.

“The Department strictly adheres to the guidelines and required health protocols on work and office arrangement set by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force), the Department of Health and the Civil Service Commission,” it said.

DepEd said it is investigating the alleged virus transmission and exposure of personnel of the Zambales Schools’ Division Office during a division-initiated training in early March.

“Appropriate disciplinary actions [against] authorities who breached the protocols will be taken once the investigation is finalized,” it added.

At least 49 DepEd employees had tested positive for COVID-19 after attending two separate seminars held on March 1-6 and March 9-13 in Zambales beach resorts.

The infection source was the guest speaker, said provincial health director Dr. Noel Bueno.

A total of 390 DepEd employees, mostly school heads and teachers, attended the seminars.

The “superspreader” activity also infected seven workers of one of the two beach resorts that hosted the seminars, Bueno said.

An outbreak of COVID-19 at Barangay Batonlapoc in Botolan town was also traced to five DepEd employees who attended the seminars. INQ

LZB