By Jhon Aldrin Casinas
Amid the continuing threat of the infectious novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (nCoV-ARD), Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo ordered on Tuesday a three-day suspension of classes in public schools in the entire province from Wednesday until Friday.
Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo (Negros Oriental LGU Facebook)
In an executive order signed Tuesday, Degamo said the suspension “is a precautionary measure to contain and mitigate the spread of the dreaded disease … that has claimed hundreds of lives in China and has created havoc in various part(s) of our country.”
The suspension covers all levels of public school in Negros Oriental. Degamo, meanwhile, left to the discretion of private schools whether they will also suspend classes.
Following the announcement of class suspension, Silliman University, one of Dumaguete’s top educational institutions, also announced that it will suspend classes in all levels from Wednesday until Friday.
“In light of this, there shall be no work during this period unless otherwise directed by their respective heads,” the university said in an advisory.
“Faculty members are required to work on alternative learning schemes to ensure completion of the requirements and competencies in their respective subjects. This includes making use of digital learning and other online platforms.”
The university said it will again issue an advisory whether to extend the suspension of classes on or before Feb. 7, depending on the development of the situation.
“Students are advised to stay indoors and avoid crowded places while the situation is being monitored,” it said.
Health officials in Negros Oriental earlier said that five individuals who came in contact with country’s first two confirmed carriers of nCoV have already been placed under quarantine at Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital in Dumaguete City.