The Department of Health (DOH) has expressed its support to the proposal to implement full resumption of face-to-face classes.
“The Department of Health fully supports the opening of classes, (its) full implementation—we fully support that,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Friday, July 8.
“Even our experts have given their recommendation na kailangan na po talagang buksan ang edukasyon para sa kabataan (that we already need to open up education for the youth),” she added.
Recently, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said that the government is eyeing to fully implement face-to-face classes by November.
With this, Vergeire said that strict compliance with the minimum public health standards should be observed to keep children safe against Covid-19.
Particularly, schools should make sure that students will wear their face masks properly, she said.
“We just need to make sure that there is a safe environment for our children,” said Vergeire.
“We will be implementing minimum public health standards in all classrooms,” she added.
Covid-19 vaccination will not be a requirement but it is highly encouraged, said Vergeire.
“We strongly encourage ang ating mga magulang to consider na mabakunahan ang ating mga kabataan para mas protektado sila (the parents to consider getting their children vaccinated so that they are better protected),” said the Health official.
“Maglalagay po tayo ng mga bakunahan sa mga eskwelahan para po ma-encourage po ng ating mga magulang para pabakunahan ang kanilang mga anak (We will be putting up vaccination sites in schools so that the parents can be encouraged to let their children get vaccinated),” she added.