Local DepEd officials may suspend classes amid COVID-19 case uptick

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MANILA, Philippines — Department of Education (DepEd) regional offices (RO) and school division offices (SDO) may order the suspension of classes amid the soaring number of COVID-19 cases and infected teachers and students.

DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio said the ROs and SDOs could impose the measure based on the health situation of students and teachers under their jurisdiction.

“Given the varying health situations in different areas, the ROs/SDOs are given the option, based on their reliable assessment of the health status of their teachers and learners and the IATF risk classification, to declare suspension of classes within the month of January 2022,” San Antonio said in the memorandum dated Wednesday but furnished to the media on Thursday. 

San Antonio also said regional and division offices could also decide on the duration of the class suspension, as long as it does not exceed two weeks. 

They should also make necessary adjustments in the school calendar to ensure that the number of class days in the current school year will be in accordance with the law.

Private schools, on the other hand, may also implement a similar directive as to the suspension of classes and K to 12 learning activities when COVID-19 risks in their respective areas are high, according to San Antonio.

“During the suspension of classes, all synchronous and asynchronous classes shall be put on hold while submission of academic requirements and conduct of other teaching- related activities must be moved to a later date. For late submission of requirements, accommodations must be afforded for those with valid reasons,” San Antonio noted.

The directive was made following the Alliance of Concerned Teachers’ (ACT) report on Tuesday that more than 50 percent of teachers in Metro Manila have flu-like symptoms, prompting the militant teachers’ group to call for a two-week “health break.”

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