MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) will monitor schools and students amid a spike in COVID cases in the country.
“We will be monitoring closely, the LGUs will monitor students and the schools as classes are considered as superspreader venues,” Quirino Gov. and League of Provinces of the Philippines chairman Dax Cua said during the Laging Handa briefing yesterday.
He said COVID can spread to other members of the family once a student catches the virus.
“We will work closely with the Department of Education and Department of Health,” Cua said.
He gave assurance that hospitals are prepared for an increase in admissions due to COVID.
“Our hospitals are still within the capacity. This means that the people know how to manage themselves and they know how to conduct home tests. If they test positive, they isolate,” Cua said.
OCTA Research fellow Guido David said the positivity rate in Metro Manila is expected to reach 25 percent.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines (UP) campus in Cebu clarified that its memorandum on the shift to online classes from May 4 to May 11 was due only to ”probable” and not confirmed COVID cases.
UP-Cebu said 32 students were reported to have cold or flu symptoms from April 24 to May 4.
“Out of this number, two students reported positive results under the rapid antigen test, with one consultation conducted onsite and the other online,” it said. “This move is part of the standard protocols under the new normal.”
The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 10 active cases in Cebu City.
UP Cebu reminded everyone in its community to remain vigilant, follow health protocols and stay informed through the university’s official channels.
Face-to-face classes in UP Baguio (UPB) were also suspended this week due to an increase in COVID cases.
The office of the UPB vice chancellor for academic affairs said 21 cases had been recorded as of April 29.
DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said it is up to LGUs or school officials to decide whether to transition to distance learning to prevent the spread of the virus. — Caecent Magsumbol