Children who are yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19 can attend face-to-face classes, the Department of Education said Wednesday, noting that inoculation is not a requirement for learning.
Parents are encouraged but not required to get their children jabbed against the virus for their own protection and to help avoid the spread of the disease, Education Sec. Leonor Briones said.
"Are we requiring our children to have vaccinations bago sila makapag-participate? Not necessarily, hindi required. It is voluntary kasi ang parents ang magdi-decide diyan but of course we will encourage them," Briones said in a televised briefing.
Children as young as five years old can get vaccinated against COVID-19 based on government guidelines.
Teachers, however, are required to be fully vaccinated, otherwise they have to get tested for COVID-19 before entering schools according to the DepEd chief.
"If they say,' we will just stay at home kasi ayaw namin magpa-vaccine and work', ano ang magiging output nila at kailangan i-monitor iyan regularly, iyong mga outputs nila. And if they go to school, then just like any other public institution na pinupuntahan ng publiko ay kailangan either mag-PCR or mag-antigen depending on the requirement," Briones said.
More schools are expected to reopen for face-to-face classes according to Briones, citing the drastic easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Metro Manila and 38 other areas.
"Sa tingin namin, every day may mga bagong eskuwelahan na papasok, may mga local governments na talagang all out na silang tutulong. Of course, in cooperation kami with the Department of Health and the parents themselves," she said.
Based on DepEd's assessment, 6,213 schools have been deemed ready for face-to-face classes. As of March 1, Briones said 4,295 schools have started in-person classes.
ALSO READ:
Are We Out of the Woods? What's Next After Alert Level 1
Alert Level 1: Where Proof of COVID Vaccination is Required
Alert Level 1 Rules: Goodbye Contact-Tracing, Face Masks Here to Stay