Palace: Face-to-face classes remain suspended during MECQ period

MANILA, Philippines — Face-to-face classes will remain suspended in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the education sector should operate in accordance with the guidelines of the Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Education.

Several colleges and universities were earlier allowed to conduct limited face-to-face classes for specific courses.

Meanwhile, only authorized persons outside of residence are allowed to leave their residence.

Individuals below 18 and  65 years old, with comorbidities, pregnant women are required to remain in their residences at all times, Roque said.

Local government units, however, can relax the minimum age range down to 15 years old depending on the COVID-19 situation in their areas.

Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna, which is known as the “NCR Plus bubble” was placed under MECQ from Monday, April 12 to April 30.

As of Sunday, the Philippines has 864,868 COVID-19 cases, including 146,519 active cases, 703,404 recoveries, and 14,945 deaths.

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