11 teachers in Isabela contract COVID-19 after distributing modules

Eleven teachers from public schools in Ilagan, Isabela acquired COVID-19 after distributing learning modules to students for the opening of classes this week.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) decided to revert the city to stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until October 16 because of the incident and surge in COVID-19 cases.

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According to the Department of Health, 10 of the teachers experienced symptoms like headaches and sore throat. They were brought to the city government’s quarantine facility for treatment.

The other teacher, who had more serious symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, was admitted to the Cagayan Valley Medical Center.

The DOH also said a 13-year-old boy, said to be a recipient of the learning module, also tested positive for COVID-19.

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The Department of Education (DepEd) said the teachers were tasked to distribute copies of educational materials in different barangays in Ilagan City’s western district.

While other teachers’ test results are still pending, Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III maintained that classes should continue since there are no in-person lessons.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices of teachers as frontliners amid the pandemic.

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Also read: DepEd receives around 16,000 concerns on school opening

11 teachers in Isabela contract COVID-19 after distributing modules

Last month, a student in Isabela also acquired the disease after attending face-to-face classes and orientations at Isabela Colleges.

CHED Regional Office II validated that Isabela Colleges started conducting the series of face-to-face orientations on August 29.