Safety measures in place for pilot F2F classes

Marian M. Bautista

THE Department of Education and the Department of Health are creating safety measures for the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes, showing commitment, tenacity, and continuing interest in getting this pilot off the ground.

The World Health Organization and other organizations of pediatric health professionals actually applauded the joint efforts of the DepEd and DOH, underscoring the importance of an all-of-society approach and solidarity at the community level to keep schools safe and reduce transmission of COVID-19 once the pilot run of face-to-face classes in a maximum of 120 schools commences.

Guidelines for the pilot run have already been set by the DepEd and DOH, keeping in mind that schools are part of a community.

According to WHO officials, it is all about taking a risk-based approach. WHO, together with its partners, will continue to work closely with the Government – especially with the Department of Health and the Department of Education – to support safe inperson learning beginning with this pilot project.

Along with WHO, the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSPI) and the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) expressed their support for the implementation of the pilot face-to-face, citing that the guidelines set by DepEd and DOH will ensure the safety of participating learners.

Officials said “the age group of 5 to 8 years old has been identified to be the least affected by COVID-19 and the most in need of actual face-to-face learning as far as basic reading and writing are concerned.”

After several consultative meetings with DepEd and DOH, the Philippine Pediatric Society agrees with this recommendation for the resumption of face-to-face classes for selected pilot schools which pass the safety school readiness evaluation in minimal to low-risk COVID-19 areas for Key Stage 1 group or ages 5-8 years old.

WHO and other partner agencies vowed to continue working with DepEd and DOH in assisting the agencies in the pilot face-to-face and the next phases of the implementation.

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The author is Principal I at Palimpe Elementary School Masantol North District