No COVID-19 case detected so far in public schools

The Department of Education said that no case of Covid19 has been detected in public schools where face-to-face classes are being held.

But, some schools found it challenging to get students to strictly follow health protocols, Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma said.

Students, especially those in kindergarten, “tend to take off their mask after a short period of time,” he said.

Garma added that teaching children to follow health protocols should be integrated in face-to-face learning to make them understand the importance of wearing a mask or frequent hand-washing

“This is expected probably because talagang hirap, hindi sila sanay,” he said.

“Isa ito sa mga bagay na gusto nating ma-integrate sa ating face-to-face learning, na masanay at maunawaan ng mga maliliit na mag-aaral kung bakit kailangan palaging isuot ang kanilang face mask,” he added.

Children also forget physical distancing, and they interact closely with each other at times.

“Dito papasok ‘yong role ng ating mga guro na continuously magpaalala sa ating mga mag-aaral at sa iba pa na talagang ‘yong social o physical distancing ang pinakamahalagang bagay para masigurong walang mahahawa,” Garma said.

Only students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 and senior high school are allowed to join the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes that started on Nov. 15.