DepEd needs unvaxxed teachers to have negative antigen result, medical certificate

Unvaccinated teachers are oblige to secure medical clearances and negative antigen results before they can mingle with those already jabbed with Covid19 vaccines.

Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones said teachers and non-teaching personnel are highly encouraged for the greater interest, although stressing Covid19 vaccination is not mandatory.

“While it is voluntary on their part, they have to face and take antigen swab tests and shoulder the costs to show that they are exempted and they are not infectious,” Briones said.

“If they would not like to be vaccinated, they may opt for a work-from-home arrangement. However, they will be subjected to regular monitoring and close supervision by education officials.”

Briones said the national government has been pushing for vaccination for national interest and protection of the majority, and to have control over the health system of the people.

Briones is also saddened that some educators have broken the political neutrality, which is a violation of the Commission on Elections and Civil Service Commission rules and regulations.

“As government employees, if you participate in public debates and not neutral  on issues such as vaccination, you are subject to the rule of laws,” Briones said.