Isabela student tests positive for COVID-19 after face-to-face classes

The results of a private school student’s swab test came out positive for COVID-19 last September 5, Saturday.

According to the City Health Office of Cauayan City, Isabela, where the school is located, the test result has prompted contact tracing efforts after it was confirmed that 45 other students attended the same face-to-face classes last week. The school has since been closed.a

The patient was found to have been in close contact with a city hall employee, as well as thirty-two other individuals, who have already gone swab testing.

Cauayan City’s government issued a statement that it allowed the resumption of face-to-face classes after the city was placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). Under MGCQ, companies may operate at full capacity and employees may be allowed to physically report to work, save for the elderly, pregnant, and immunocompromised. All residents must observe minimum public health standards at all times.

Schools in areas under MGCQ may hold classes but not limit these to face-to-face sessions. Other modalities such as blended learning and distance learning may be adopted. Face-to-face classes may be allowed but only with strict adherence to minimum health standards.