Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7) — While public and private schools are expected to transition to a full implementation of face-to-face classes by Nov. 2, COVID-19 cases are still threatening the country’s health situation.
On Sept. 30, the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed that it has been receiving reports of positive COVID-19 cases among teachers and learners in schools conducting in-person classes.
Although it cannot cite data on how many are affected in schools, DepEd gave assurance that it has been enforcing health regulations to continue face-to-face classes throughout the country.
Let’s take a look at DepEd Order 39 series of 2022, its latest health guidelines, which took effect on Sept. 20.
Is vaccination mandatory?
DepEd has ordered a “no discrimination” policy in schools, meaning school personnel and students are not required to be inoculated against COVID-19. However, it said its offices and schools shall not be held liable if school staff or students turn COVID-19 positive.
In a news conference on Friday, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said the agency is continuously coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) to counsel and encourage teachers, students, and parents to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
How is cleaning and disinfection observed?
Schools must have handwashing facilities with available soap and conduct group handwashing activities for students. DepEd said a group handwashing facility must have at least 10 water outlets for elementary schools, while at least four for high schools.
Disinfectants to be used must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Should students and teachers wear face mask?
Yes, it is required inside school rooms and laboratories, although the order noted that it is optional to wear a face mask in non-crowded areas, which are outdoor and open spaces with or without roofing.
When students or teachers need to show their entire face or remove their face masks for their activities, DepEd said face shields may be used.
Physical distancing must also be observed at all times.
What are the guidelines for ventilation?
DepEd said adequate ventilation may be achieved through opening doors and windows. DepEd advised to use electric fans only if windows and doors are open, or to place them in front of an open window for good ventilation.
What if someone turns COVID-19 positive?
When learners become COVID-19 positive, they are advised to switch to distance learning mode.
For teachers and school staff, they can avail of sick leave credits. On Friday, Poa said public school teachers can apply for excused absences as they are also government employees, following Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular 2, Series of 2022.
“Ayun po do’n (DepEd Order 39), kung ang teacher po ay positive for COVID, may sintomas, or close contact na kailangan mag-isolate, sila po’y makaka-avail ng excused absence… ‘yan po ay absence pero may bayad po sila. So they will be paid with their salaries,” the DepEd spokesperson said.
[Translation: According to DepEd Order No. 39, if the teacher is positive for COVID, is symptomatic, or a close contact who needs to isolate, they can avail of excused absence… that’s absence with pay.]
However, work-from-home arrangement shall apply for asymptomatic school personnel required to isolate or those who can do their work duties.
‘Recipe for disaster’
Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines on Oct. 3 said DepEd Order 39 was a “recipe for disaster” as it essentially only reiterated “deficient health measures.”
“As in the earlier guidelines, schools are left to craft their own containment plan and the DepEd is absolved of any responsibility over infection in schools,” said ACT chairperson Vladimir Quetua, noting that DepEd only added guidelines about positioning electric fans and handwashing facilities schools.
Quetua said teachers in classes with a positive case are still expected to teach different sections, while those who applied for an excused absence need to finance their own RT-PCR tests so there will be no deduction in their salaries.
“Kailangan natin ng mas malakas at mas makabuluhang preventive measures, kongkretong mga plano, at mas malinaw na protocols,” he said, adding that the government must invest on health and education to effectively recover through the full implementation of face-to-face classes.
[Translation: We need stronger and more essential preventive measures, concrete plans, and clearer protocols.]
