DepEd clarifies no decision yet on using schools as quarantine sites

Education Secretary Leonor Briones clarified that no government decision has been made to allow the use of schools as isolation or quarantine centers for COVID-19.

Briones stated there was no extensive discussion at the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) or Cabinet level regarding the use of school facilities for this purpose.

This clarification comes after some local government units (LGUs) expressed intentions to use schools due to hospital overcapacity.

While Briones acknowledges the recurring issue of using schools during disasters, she emphasized that schools may not meet the Department of Health's (DOH) standards for quarantine sites.

She also expressed concern that using schools in accessible locations could put entire communities at risk.

Briones revealed that some schools are being used as isolation centers without DepEd's knowledge or permission.

DepEd is directing its officials not to readily allow schools to be used as isolation sites, as such a move cannot be done hastily.