Philippines
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DepEd asked to provide assistance to teachers infected with COVID-19
DepEd asked to provide assistance to teachers infected with COVID-19
Weeks before the scheduled opening of classes on Aug. 24, a teachers’ group on Saturday urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to help the growing number of personnel who have contracted COVID-19.
As the country grapples with COVID-19, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) asked the DepEd management to clarify the extent of COVID-19 infection in the department so far and what will be the available form of assistance for teachers and personnel infected with virus.
TDC urged DepEd to deal with its own field officials who requiring their teachers and personnel to report physically despite the work from home default set-up under its own rules.
TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said that there are reports that many teachers and DepEd employees have been infected with COVID-19.
Though yet to be validated by the Central Office, he noted that this is very “alarming.”
“Some of these reported or even confirmed cases were attributed to the teachers’ physical reporting in their workplace,” Basas said. “How can we convince the public that the system is ready for Aug. 24 opening, when in fact, many of our teachers fear the possible contagion?” he added.
TDC is awaiting the response from DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones on these specific concerns.
Basas said the PNP -- from time to time -- releases information on the number of COVID cases in their ranks.
“We need the same data from the DepEd, because it will help us to analyze the situation and to properly respond to it,” he added.
The TDC had earlier confirmed that its National Capital Region (NCR) president Nono Enguerra tested positive for COVID-19.
Enguerra is a public school teacher in Manila. He tested positive for COVID-19 along with four other colleagues after they attended a face-to-face meeting called by school authorities disregarding DepEd guidelines during the pandemic.
Enguerra is now in isolation but is already recovering from the disease.
“I am fine, there’s a little cough,” he said in Filipino. “I was told by the doctor that there’s no need to be tested again, as long as I no longer have symptoms, it’s automatic that I have recovered already,” he added.