The Department of Health (DOH) said there is nothing wrong with the decision of some local government units (LGUs) in declaring a "health break" in their respective jurisdiction amid the rising number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the LGUs have the “authority” to make such decisions.
“Prerogative naman po iyan naman ng mga (That is the prerogative of) local governments because they are mandated to protect the health of their constituents,” said Vergeire during the Malacanang press briefing on Friday, Jan. 14.
“Kung nakikita nila na mataas ang kaso sa kanilang lugar, nakikita nila na pati yung kabataan, kasama yung mga bata na nag aaral online ay naapektuhan nitong pagtaas ng kaso sa ating bansa (If they see that cases are high in their area, if the children---including those studying online have been affected by this increase in cases), they have that authority to do that,” she added.
The city government of Manila declared a health break last Jan. 13. This means that there will be no classes on Jan. 14 until 21 in both private and public schools in the capital city.
This move aims to help relieve stress among teachers and students brought about by the current surge in cases, said Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.
As of this writing, the number of active COVID-19 cases nationwide stood at 237,387. Since the pandemic began in 2020, the Philippines has already confirmed 3,092,409. Of this total, 2,802,286 have already recovered while 52,736 patients died.