Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 22)— Education Secretary Leonor Briones is encouraging fully vaccinated teachers to get their COVID-19 booster shots sooner than later.
This after the Food and Drug Administration reduced the recommended interval period between the last shot and booster dose from six to three months.
Briones said she already received her booster as well. She added that they have always encouraged teachers to get inoculated against the coronavirus.
“Sabi namin (We said) don’t wait because the local governments are already vaccinating their constituents. You go to your local government especially for those who have comorbidities,” Briones told reporters on Wednesday.
Optimistic
The 81-year-old secretary admitted the past year has been challenging for the education sector as the agency was expected to “deliver perfect solutions in an imperfect situation.”
But she is optimistic that things are looking up as the Department of Education (DepEd) plans to expand the implementation of limited face-to-face classes next year.
President Rodrigo Duterte has authorized education and health officials to decide on expanding the pilot run for in-person classes.
Still, the DepEd is preparing a report to the President to give him updates on the program.
“Yesterday I listened to the reports of undersecretaries. They are collating information and so far wala naman na-COVID (There are no reported COVID cases). ‘Yung mga usual lang na sinisipon (It’s the usual colds) but it’s more of due to the rains and typhoons in certain places but not COVID-related. This is why we have some degree of confidence,” Briones said.
At least 300 public and private schools are now holding limited in-person classes, while more are undergoing assessment to be able to conduct face-to-face schooling by next year.
