3 schools suspend face-to-face classes, teachers tested positive for COVID

The pilot face-to-face classes in three public schools in Zambales were suspended yesterday after some teachers tested positive for COVID in an antigen test.

The School Division of Zambales said the antigen test was conducted on Sunday at the San Marcelino National High School and Baliwet Elementary School, both located in San Marcelino town.

The Banawen Elementary School in nearby San Felipe town also suspended face-to-face classes as some teachers were still waiting for the results of their antigen tests.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the antigen testing was among the requirements set under a memorandum of agreement signed between the school officials and local government units to ensure the safety from COVID, .

“The School Division superintendent gave assurance that classes would begin in these schools once teachers and other personnel test negative for COVID,” DepEd said in a statement.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers said the situation in three Zambales schools proves that mandatory testing for teachers is important as the country resumes the face-to-face classes for basic education.

“The antigen testing of those teachers, which yielded positive results, saved a lot of their co-workers and learners from possible exposure to the virus. Screening test can intelligently guide safe school reopening, and assuage the worries of teachers and learners,” ACT secretary general Ramon Basilio said.