IATF Recommends Class Opening in September

Inter-Agency Task Force Recommendation 

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) is recommending that the opening of classes be moved to September. This is because there are still areas within the country that have been placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

"Maski po low to moderate risk (areas) considered for one hundred percent (100%) closure pa rin, dahil ang mga transmitters ay mga kabataan mula edad 0-20. Lahat ng eskwelahan, i-consider po ang late opening sa Setyembre except po sa online learning," said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque as he read the recommendation.

("Even low to moderate risk areas are still considered under 100% closure because transmitters are children and young adults ages 0 to 21. All schools, consider late opening on September except for online learning," said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque as he read the recommendation.)

DepEd's Previous Official Statement

Earlier, Education Secretary Leonor Briones made an official statement regarding the opening of classes for SY 2020-2021 which was published on the Department of Education's (DepEd) website. It says, “The law provides that school opening shall start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August. The responses favor any day in August as the preferred opening of the school year.”

The Department of Education (DepEd), still based on the statement of Secretary Briones, is eyeing alternative or complementary learning approaches such as online classes and the use of cellphones, television, or radio.

“What we assure our learners, parents, teachers, and the general public is that any decision we will make for the continuation of learning will have their health, safety and well-being as primary consideration.”

DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones

What are your thoughts about this?

What do you think about the IATF's Recommendation? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below! And while this pandemic is still ongoing, always remember to be vigilant and continue obeying COVID-19 guidelines, advisories, and safety measures. Stay safe everyone. We'll get through this pandemic.