DOH: 3,939 COVID cases among 12-17 years old from Sept. 1 to Nov. 3

UPDATED MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 3,939 COVID-19 cases among 12-17 years old a month before the full implementation of face-to-face classes.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier said on Friday that the 3,939 cases reported from September 1 to November 3 were recorded among schools in the country.

The DOH, however, later issued a clarification, saying it is not yet determined if the said age bracket all consists of students.

“We would like to clarify that the 3,939 cases mentioned in the media forum earlier are not specific to students, but rather for individuals aged 12-17 y/o recorded between September 01-Nov. 3,” the DOH said in a statement.

“We are still waiting for official reports regarding the number of recorded infections in schools,” the agency added.

Vergeire said that there may have been incidence of COVID-19 infections among the said age group, but the incident “does not outweigh” the benefit of full face-to-face classes among students.

“So I think at this point … all of these infections do not outweigh the benefit if we open up the classes because this is very essential for the mental health wellness of our students and our children,” she continued.

Schools across the country began the full implementation of face-to-face classes on November 2, the first time since blended or distance learning has been implemented in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said schools holding full in-person classes should have 100-percent room capacity and are conducting classes five days a week.

Wearing face masks in classrooms is now optional, in line with the voluntary mask mandate ordered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

JMS/abc