Manila Bulletin
Philippines
DepEd asks for proper coordination on using schools as COVID-19 quarantine sites
Philippines
DepEd asks for proper coordination on using schools as COVID-19 quarantine sites
DepEd asks for proper coordination on using schools as COVID-19 quarantine sites
Published Mar 19, 2020 12:00 am
By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
The Department of Education (DepEd) urged local government units (LGUs) and its officials for proper coordination amid reports of public schools being used as temporary quarantine sites and isolation centers for suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Atty. Nepomuceno said the use of some public schools as isolation centers or quarantines sites for suspected cases of COVID-19 “were based on LGU actions” and noted that this is “still an outstanding matter.”
“Our approach is for containment and management of COVID be taken up at IATF level, for proper coordination and deliberation,” Nepomuceno said when asked about the proposals of some LGUs to use public schools as temporary isolation areas for COVID-19.
During disasters and crisis, DepEd strongly discourages the use of schools as evacuation centers because it disrupts the learning of students. Nepomuceno noted that DepEd “has a say” when it comes to using public schools as COVID-19 isolation facilities -- “precisely why we want this properly coordinated.”
“The policy of DepEd on the use of schools stands,” Nepomuceno said. “However, we also support the executive processes on COVID-19 containment and management, specifically IATF and President's directives,” he added.
Nepomuceno also noted that there is already an “initial discussion” at IATF about allowing schools to be used as COVID-19 isolation sites “but not completed” because the IATF “has a long agenda and it makes its prioritization.” He noted that DepEd “cannot speak for IATF.”
Based on the COVID-19 Situation Report No. 47 as of March 17 issued by DepEd’s Bureau of Learner Support Services, there are “selected classrooms and school facilities” that are used as “isolation rooms” which are “strictly monitored.”
As cited in the report, DepEd ssaid there are four public schools in three regions - Regions IV-A, IV-B, and CARAGA - that are being used as isolation areas and quarantine areas for suspected cases of COVID-19.
In the four schools under the divisions of Bayugan City, Tayabas City, and Oriental Mindoro, there are 13 classrooms being used as quarantine areas of 86 individuals, 25 of whom are learners. Some of those that are under quarantine were participants - learners, parents/guardians, teachers, and coaches - at the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and National Festival of Talents (NFOT) in Ilagan City, Isabela last March 9 to 15.
The latest data from DepEd also showed that 20,247,873 learners in 41,207 schools in 184 DepEd divisions under 15 regions are affected by the class suspensions due to COVID-19.
DepEd has yet to issue its latest COVID-19 situation report as of press time.
READ MORE: Entire Luzon under quarantine
(MANILA BULLETIN)
DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Atty. Nepomuceno said the use of some public schools as isolation centers or quarantines sites for suspected cases of COVID-19 “were based on LGU actions” and noted that this is “still an outstanding matter.”
“Our approach is for containment and management of COVID be taken up at IATF level, for proper coordination and deliberation,” Nepomuceno said when asked about the proposals of some LGUs to use public schools as temporary isolation areas for COVID-19.
During disasters and crisis, DepEd strongly discourages the use of schools as evacuation centers because it disrupts the learning of students. Nepomuceno noted that DepEd “has a say” when it comes to using public schools as COVID-19 isolation facilities -- “precisely why we want this properly coordinated.”
“The policy of DepEd on the use of schools stands,” Nepomuceno said. “However, we also support the executive processes on COVID-19 containment and management, specifically IATF and President's directives,” he added.
Nepomuceno also noted that there is already an “initial discussion” at IATF about allowing schools to be used as COVID-19 isolation sites “but not completed” because the IATF “has a long agenda and it makes its prioritization.” He noted that DepEd “cannot speak for IATF.”
Based on the COVID-19 Situation Report No. 47 as of March 17 issued by DepEd’s Bureau of Learner Support Services, there are “selected classrooms and school facilities” that are used as “isolation rooms” which are “strictly monitored.”
As cited in the report, DepEd ssaid there are four public schools in three regions - Regions IV-A, IV-B, and CARAGA - that are being used as isolation areas and quarantine areas for suspected cases of COVID-19.
In the four schools under the divisions of Bayugan City, Tayabas City, and Oriental Mindoro, there are 13 classrooms being used as quarantine areas of 86 individuals, 25 of whom are learners. Some of those that are under quarantine were participants - learners, parents/guardians, teachers, and coaches - at the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and National Festival of Talents (NFOT) in Ilagan City, Isabela last March 9 to 15.
The latest data from DepEd also showed that 20,247,873 learners in 41,207 schools in 184 DepEd divisions under 15 regions are affected by the class suspensions due to COVID-19.
DepEd has yet to issue its latest COVID-19 situation report as of press time.
READ MORE: Entire Luzon under quarantine