Urdaneta on academic ‘health break’

URDANETA, Pangasinan, Philippines — Classes in all levels in this city have been suspended amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Mayor Julio Parayno III issued an executive order on Friday declaring an academic ”health break” from Jan. 24 to 31.

Parayno said the class suspension would give students as well as teaching and non-teaching personnel a respite from physical and mental fatigue due to the pandemic.

He said the break would also allow authorities to recalibrate minimum public health standards in academic institutions in the city.

The provincial health office said Urdaneta logged 113 total active cases on Friday.The city ranked third on the COVID watchlist in Pangasinan.