The Department of Education suspends school events for February over an increased risk of exposure to Novel Coronavirus.
Exposure to Novel Coronavirus
The Philippines Department of Education just announced its suspension of all school activities and events scheduled for the month of February amid the worldwide crisis over the Novel Coronavirus.
According to Education Secretary Leonor Briones, during a Senate inquiry yesterday.
We must take care of our children. We should limit their exposure to crowded places. We are now imposing a policy that will temporarily postpone all school activities in all regions of the country.
Among the most highly anticipated annual events include the Palarong Pambansa. The Palarong Pambansa is an annual multi-sport event that is participated by all 17 regions of the country. Representatives from each region compete in different sports events, just like what comprises the Olympic events.
The Department of Education hasn’t issued a total cancellation of the Palarong Pambansa since it is still scheduled to start by May. By then, the Novel Coronavirus crisis might have been resolved and not to be worried about.
Canceled activities by DepEd
For now, the confirmed suspended activities by the Department of Education are the following: National Schools Press Conference, the National Festival of Talents, and the National Science and Technology Fair.
In line with the suspension, the Department also issued DepEd Memorandum No.15 Series of 2020. It contains the guidelines that schools should follow to protect students and staff from the Novel Coronavirus scare.
It also activates the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) at the regional level to handle preventive alert systems and preventive measures set by the Department of Health.
The memorandum also encourages school administrators to amplify their campaign in controlling the spread of the virus. The Education Secretary also discourages schools from conducting field trips if possible.
As of now, the Philippines has two confirmed cases of the deadly coronavirus, with one Chinese National already dying from the virus. The government is continuously watching over the situation of the spread of the virus.
