DepEd forms task force on novel coronavirus

The Department of Education (DepEd) has formed a task force to address concerns and challenges in schools regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) outbreak.

The task force, created through DepEd Memorandum No. 11 s. 2020, is mandated to lead the department's overall efforts, formulate policies, and develop strategies and action plans.

It will cooperate with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

The task force will also coordinate with the DOH for the implementation of response measures, including potential school or office lockdowns and suspensions.

Additionally, it is tasked with promulgating standard protocols for DepEd offices and schools.

This initiative follows reports of schools advising students and faculty to undergo self-quarantine due to fears over the outbreak.

For example, Adamson University advised its community members who traveled to affected countries or had close contact with suspected cases to quarantine for 14 days.