DESPITE rising COVID cases, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday said it still supports the plan of the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement face-to-face classes come November 2.
In a press conference, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said nothing has changed as far as their support to the return of in-person classes is concerned.
“We will continue to support the face-to-face classes program of the DepEd,” said Vergeire.
“We will not opt to close and open the sector. We will just continue (opening the sector).”
She explained this is because they give equal importance to the mental health of the students, who were limited to virtual learning for the past two years.
“We all saw the effects of the pandemic and its restrictions to the mental health of our children. We would like to give that commitment that they are protected not only against COVID-19 but also against threats to mental health, especially the children,” said Vergeire.
She said what is important is for school administrators, teachers, parents, and students to commit to maintaining safeguards against COVID-19.
“We must continue encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, maintain surveillance and monitoring in schools, and proper ventilation in classrooms must be ensured,” said Vergeire.
