Chinese schools suspend classes over novel coronavirus scare

Several Chinese schools in Metro Manila suspended classes on January 27, 2020, as a precautionary measure against the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Schools that suspended classes include Hope Christian High School, St. Jude Catholic School, St. Stephen's High School, Uno High School, Chiang Kai Shek College, and Pace Academy.

The Department of Education (DepEd) noted that some teachers and students had traveled to and from China for Lunar New Year, raising concerns about potential exposure.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones stated that schools would be encouraged to consult the Department of Health (DOH) for guidance and reminded private schools that they would have to conduct make-up classes if they suspended them.

Despite class suspensions by some schools, the DOH, through Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, stated that there was no need for schools to suspend classes at the moment as it was not within their interim guidelines.

The DOH confirmed there were no confirmed cases of the virus in the Philippines, but there were 11 persons under investigation (PUI) for suspected 2019-nCoV.

Tiong Se Academy implemented a two-week quarantine for students and staff who had traveled from China and Hong Kong for the Spring Festival, a measure that Uno High School also adopted.