DepEd suspends student, teacher activities nationwide over coronavirus scare

The Department of Education (DepEd) has indefinitely suspended national and regional activities involving students and teachers as a precautionary measure against the novel coronavirus.

This suspension, outlined in DepEd Memorandum No. 015 series of 2020, applies to all public and private basic education schools and learning centers.

The National Science and Technology Fair, the National Festival of Talents, and the National Schools Press Conference have been suspended.

DepEd-12 (Soccsksargen) has also suspended its regional events and school-based activities for February, including the Soccsksargen Regional Athletic Association (SRAA) Meet, which was rescheduled to March 1-5.

DepEd has formed a Task Force nCoV to cooperate with the Department of Health (DOH) on response efforts and establish standard protocols in schools and offices.

DepEd will assist officials, teachers, personnel, learners, and other participants affected by the suspension with refunding or rebooking flights.

DepEd-12 director Dr. Allan Farnazo stated that local schools are also suspending activities and monitoring compliance with preventive measures such as sanitation and suspension of group activities.

He also noted that learners exhibiting respiratory infections must not attend activities involving the congregation of learners, and flag ceremonies should be done inside classrooms.