‘Limited’ face-to-face classes allowed in colleges under MGCQ areas

By Prince Golez

The government has allowed higher education institutions (HEIs) to conduct “limited” face-to-face classes in areas under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

“Limited face-to-face or in-person classes may be conducted in HEIs provided there is strict compliance with minimum public health standards, consultation with local government units, and compliance with guidelines set by CHED (Commission on Higher Education),” according to the omnibus guidelines in the implementation of community quarantine in the Philippines.

The Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases said that HEI activities involving the mass gathering of students will remain prohibited.

Under the IATF guidelines, resumption of classes at the tertiary level will be based on education delivery mode, compliance with minimum health standards, and the situation on the ground:

-HEIs using full online education can open anytime;

-HEIs using flexible learning can open anytime in August 2020;

-HEIs using significant face-to-face or in-person mode can open not earlier than September 1, 2020 in general community quarantine areas; and

-No face-to-face or in-person classes until August 31, 2020.

Private HEIs are likewise encouraged to change their academic calendar and open in August.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)