The pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes in basic education to be conducted by schools located in low risk areas will start next month, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday, Oct. 6, announced.
In a Facebook post, DepEd said that the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes will begin on Nov. 15 based on the recommendation of the Department of Health (DOH).
Of the 638 nominated schools for pilot run of limited face-to-face classes in low risk areas, DepEd said that there are 59 schools that have passed the assessment conducted by the officials of DOH.
DepEd said that the 59 schools are part of the 120 schools targeted for the two-month implementation of the pilot run.
The agency assured that the schools to be included in the pilot of face-to-face classes are thoroughly evaluated by the DOH Epidemiology Bureau.
These schools should be located in areas that identified as minimal or low risk based on the Alert Levels of the provinces, highly urbanized cities (HUCs), independent component cities (ICCs) and risk categories of the municipality and city.
In an official statement on the initial selection of schools for the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes also issued Oct. 6, DepEd said that the pilot run will be guided by the DepEd-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular on the Pilot Implementation of Face-to-Face Classes.
“We are in the process of providing additional layers of protection for these schools in preparation for the pilot phase,” DepEd said.
DepEd added that “we are set to conduct extensive coordination with concerned local government units and multi-level and multi-sectoral orientation among involved stakeholders.”
To ensure the availability of school implementation and contingency plan, hygiene and sanitation materials, handwashing facilities, and standard classrooms, among others, DepEd said that site inspection and simulation will also be administered.
DepEd added that the DOH will provide a “rolling assessment” every Monday to increase the number of participating schools to 120.
Given this, DepEd said that its Regional Directors “may submit justification for inclusion of specific schools, for further evaluation by DOH.” “As we look to implement the actual pilot run this year, we are seeking everyone's support in the gradual reintroduction of physical classes moving forward,” DepEd said.
“Our commitment of shared responsibility to protect everyone is our key to safely return to our schools,” it added.