DESPITE the resurgence in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, an infectious disease expert does not see any reason to delay the resumption of face-to-face classes later this month.
In a televised public briefing, Dr. Edsel Salvaña yesterday said the Department of Education (DepEd) should proceed with its plan to resume in-person classes.
“We can do this 100 percent. It appears we can already do it (face-to-face classes) at this point,” Salvaña said, adding the surge in COVID cases is different compared to the earlier period of the pandemic.
“We are currently at Alert Level 1. We have already stated that if we are at Alert Level 1, then we can return to classes 100 percent, based on our existing metrics,” he said.
He noted that the high vaccination coverage across the country would come in handy.
“I think the risk is much less compared to the start of the pandemic, when we had a low rate of vaccinated individuals,” said Salvaña.
Classes set to start on Aug. 22 will be a combination of face-to-face and online modes, with the DepEd intending to resume full in-person classes in November.
