Set strict rules for limited face-to-face classes, DepEd told
ACT-Teachers Party-List Rep. France Castro said Wednesday that the Department of Education (DepEd) should set clear and strict rules on the impending implementation of limited face-to-face classes starting January 2021 within areas considered "low risk" for COVID-19.
“As we recognize that the face-to-face classes remain to be the ideal conduct of learning, DepEd must implement strict policies and guidelines to guarantee that there will be no COVID-19 outbreak when face-to-face classes resumes,” (sic) said Castro, a member of the Makabayan bloc.
The order to conduct limited face-to-face classes came from President Duterte himself, even as he had earlier declared most of the country under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) until December 31, 2020. An MGCQ is considered a light lockdown.
Metro Manila, Batangas, Iloilo City, Tacloban City, Lanao del Sur, Iligan, and Davao City are the only areas under the slightly more stringent GCQ.
“DepEd must be certain then (as) to where the go signal would come from if it’s really safe to undergo face-to-face classes in the identified areas. It must be ensured that minimum health standards and protocols will be strictly observed, there should also be complete handwashing and sanitation facilities, including enough water supply in every school," said the former public school teacher.
Castro further said that there should be at least one nurse stationed at every school that opens for traditional classes.
Another factor that needs to be considered, according to the lady solon, is the voluntary nature of the planned traditional classes during the time of pandemic.