MANILA, Philippines — School activities temporarily suspended
due to the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may resume starting next week, the Department of Education said.
In a memorandum issued late Wednesday, DepEd said the conduct of national, regional and off-campus activities may resume beginning February 24 provided all precautionary measures identified by the DepEd and the Department of Health (DOH) are “strictly followed.”
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This, after the DOH, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Tourism said it is safe to organize and attend public gatherings and festivals as long as
precautionary measures are observed.
DepEd also reiterated that schools should ensure
adequate supply of water and soap in campuses, and hand sanitizers and alcohol.
School personnel should also maintain cleanliness of campuses, including the regular disinfection of doorknobs and handles.
The Philippines has three confirmed cases of COVID-19—including the first fatality outside mainland China. The country’s first coronavirus patient
was discharged from the hospital weeks ago, while the third confirmed case returned to China.
The illness has killed over 2,000 and infected
more than 74,000 people across China.
Hundreds more cases were reported in nearly 30 countries.