COVID-19 infections do not come from schools
The Department of Education plans to conduct limited face-to-face classes next year. Sec. Briones clarified that this will be “highly selective” based on stringent conditions.
Briones said that dry run for face-to-face classes was already approved by President Duterte. This is part of the department’s efforts for the “actual resumption of physical classes” until a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available.
Briones emphasized that most COVID-19 infections “among children do not come from schools but from their homes and in public transport” based on different international studies. This is to answer the concerns on the safety of the students during the planned dry run.
There are 1,114 schools that have been selected for the dry run of face-to-face classes. But, she noted that the final number of participating schools will be “much lower or smaller.”
Briones also noted that the dry run will not cover “high risk” areas.
“The pilot will provide important experience and learning that will inform the final recommendation that DepEd intends to make on any broader resumption of face-to-face classes,” DepEd said.
