Negros Occidental town suspends elementary classes due to HFMD
BACOLOD CITY – The municipal government of E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental announced on Thursday, July 10, the suspension of classes in elementary schools from July 10 to 11 due to reported cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon has issued Executive Order No. 41 declaring the two-day class suspension at Nanca Elementary School, E.B. Magalona Elementary School, and all Child Development Centers.
Classes will shift to the Alternative Delivery Mode using the Emergency Learning Kit, the local government said.
Malacon met health workers in 23 barangays on Wednesday, July 9, to discuss public health interventions to address these cases.
The town has 18 HFMD cases as of July 9 – five Barangay Alicante, three each in Barangays Tabigue and Tuburan, two each in Barangays Nanca and III-Poblacion, and one each in Barangays Damgo, Gahit, and Tanza.
The mayor encouraged the people to seek immediate medical consultation with the Municipal Health Office (MHO), especially if exhibiting symptoms. He assured that medical assistance will be provided.
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) enjoined the public to work together to prevent the spread of HFMD.
“Teach your children good hygiene practices: Frequent handwashing, avoiding touching their faces, and disinfecting shared items,” the PHO said in an advisory.