‘Schools stay closed until vaccine found’

MANILA: Philippine schools should remain closed until a vaccine for the novel coronavirus is ready, says President Rodrigo Duterte.

Without a vaccine, sending children to school “spells disaster”, Duterte said during a late-night television address on Monday.

“I will not allow the opening of classes where students will be near each other,” he said. “Unless I am sure that they are really safe.”

The Department of Education had set the opening of the school year for August 24, three months after its traditional start in June.

Schools have been conducting online lessons for learners at home. However, the option is not available to all learners, especially those in remote areas.

The Philippines reported 14 319 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 873 deaths on Monday.