The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases said on its amended guidelines on quarantine measures said limited face-to-face classes are allowed for students in college in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
“Limited face-to-face or in-person classes may be conducted in HEIs [Higher Educational Institutions] provided there is strict compliance with the minimum public health standards, consultation with local government units, and compliance with guidelines set by CHED. HEI activities that involve mass gathering of students shall continue to be prohibited,” the IATF Resolution No. 43, series of 2020, issued on June 3 said.
“For K-12 Basic Education, the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan of the DepEd shall be adopted,” it added.
The Department of Education earlier announced there would be no face-to-face classes for elementary and secondary students following President Rodrigo Duterte’s mandate of “no vaccine, no classes.”
DepEd opened its month-long enrollment on June 1 and is continually preparing for its blended learning programs once the school year 2020-2021 opens on August 24.
The IATF earlier said face-to-face learning in HEIs may be allowed in September this year.
In its Resolution 35-A, it adopted the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) recommendations that the opening of classes in HEIs would be based on education delivery mode.
Private colleges and universities are encouraged to change their academic calendar and open in August this year, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said.
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Other updates on MGCQ guidelines
IATF also allowed barber shops, salons, and other personal care service establishments to operate at a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of venue capacity.
Dine-in restaurants, fast food, and retail establishments, including those in supermarkets, grocery stores, and food preparation establishments, at a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of seating capacity could also resume their operations.
Mass gatherings such as but not limited to, movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities, religious services, and work conferences shall be allowed provided that participants shall be limited to fifty (50%) of seating or venue capacity.
Outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise such as but not limited to walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, range shooting, and skateboarding are allowed.
Provided, the minimum public health standards such as wearing face masks and the maintenance of social distancing protocols, and no sharing of equipment where applicable, are observed. Provided further, that operations of the relevant clubhouses or similar establishments, if any, shall be limited to basic operations.