Limited face-to-face classes can start by January 2021

Limited face-to-face classes can start by January of 2021, Malacañang said Tuesday.

This after President Rodrigo Duterte approved on Monday night the proposed resumption of face-to-face classes in areas with low risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“Ang face-to-face classes ay pinapayagan simula sa Enero ng susunod na taon o sa 3rd quarter po of the school year,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in Palace press briefing.

(Face-to-face classes will be allowed starting January of next year or for the 3rd quarter of the school year.)

Private schools, however, that have started limited face-to-face classes in June will be allowed to continue, he added.

The Department of Education has also set the following conditions for limited face-to-face classes:

– Face-to-face classes will be allowed only in low-risk areas, or those already at least under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) or in the transition phase between general community quarantine and the new normal.

– Decisions to allow limited, localized face-to-face classes will be made with due coordination between Deped, LGUs concerned, and local health authorities.

– Stringent health standards will be followed

– Pilot testing and inspection will be held jointly with the National Task Force Against COVID-19 for observance of required health standards and protocols.