DepEd lifts suspension on school activities amid COVID-19 fears

The Department of Education (DepEd) has lifted the suspension on national, regional, and off-campus activities, allowing them to resume starting February 24, with strict precautionary measures against COVID-19.

The National Science and Technology Fair will be held from March 2 to 6, the National Festival of Talents from March 9 to 13 in Ilagan City, Isabela, and the National Schools Press Conference from March 9 to 13 in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

All DepEd units must ensure adequate supplies of water, soap, and hand sanitizers, and maintain regular disinfection of school facilities.

Travel restrictions and mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for personnel and learners returning from countries with confirmed COVID-19 cases remain in effect.

Learners on quarantine or excused from school activities will not be marked absent if they are provided with Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) of education.

Schools are directed to use weekends for general cleaning and intensified disinfection, utilizing Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for protective measures.

DepEd highly encourages private schools to adopt the outlined precautionary measures.

Local DepEd officials are authorized to suspend classes based on confirmed COVID-19 cases within a school, municipality, or region, in coordination with local government units and health authorities.