THE Philippine Military Academy said it has required 350 incoming cadets to undergo 14-day quarantine and COVID-19 testing in military camps prior to their reception at the PMA compound in Baguio City.
PMA spokeswoman Maj. Cherryl Tindog said the cadets have been told to report to the headquarters of AFP unified commanders nearest their respective residences on May 31.
“Henceforth, they will observe the required number of days for quarantine,” said Tindog, adding the cadets will later undergo Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests.
Those found free of COVID-19 will be transported to Fort del Pilar, home to the PMA City, in time for the traditional reception rites on June 15. The COVID-19 positive, she said, will remain under quarantine and will be subjected to other protocols inside camps.
“Medical clearance will be needed before an incoming cadet can be finally accepted to the academy,” said Tindog.
Tindog said classes and physical activities for the school year will still be done face-to-face, subject to physical distancing.
She said there will be instances where classes will be held online. “If possible, maybe we can do online (classes). It depends on their module, on what’s the best system for that,” the official said.
“We just cannot impose now the systems that we are used to,” Tindog said, noting the threat of COVID-19.
The PMA has been on lockdown since February and has not reported zero virus infection at the academy. The graduation of the PMA class 2020 last May 22 was not opened to the parents of the cadets, media and the general public.
Tindog said all COVID-19 prevention protocols are being observed by the academy “in all training and education aspects to ensure the safety and health of all cadets and the entire PMA community.”