Coronavirus prevention, control and mitigation in schools and in communities now is a national concern. The state of emergency was declared to fast-track efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus or COVID-19 after cases of the virus were confirmed in Metro Manila and in some parts of the country. In the past three days, the increase in number of COVID-19 related cases and deaths was observed. On March 17, 2020 the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines increased to 187 from 140 (34%) and the number of confirmed deaths increased to 14 from 12 (17%) on March 16, 2020. On March 19, 2020 the cases further increased to 202 (8%) and the number of confirmed deaths increased to 17 (21%). I salute to our medical doctors and health workers. They are our frontline army in this World War against corona virus. Like in the other countries, some of them were hospitalized and fighting for their lives while performing their duties and responsibilities as medical practitioners to the ailing public.

On February 10, 2020 the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued a memorandum addressed to presidents and heads of public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country regarding the CHED Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Mitigation of the Spread of the 2019-Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCov ARD) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The advisory was based on the issuances by the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

On March 11, 2020, following the possibility of a community level transmission the CHED encouraged all HEIs to establish protocols on Emergency Plan based on the WHO guidelines to prevent entry and stop the spread of COVID-19 in schools. This includes creating of procedures for students, faculty, staff and administrators who showed COVID-19 symptoms; performing environmental cleaning and disinfection procedures for all buildings with emphasis on frequently touched surfaces, such as, doorknobs, light switches, desktops or countertops; and preparing HEI health clinics for immediate triage and isolation of patients potentially infected with COVID-19. Classes in all levels in Metro Manila were suspended. On the job trainings (OJTs), internship, and/or practicum in the National Capital Region (NCR) were also suspended. HEIs were advised to coordinate with their respective Host Training Establishment (HTE) for any adjustment of training hours and/or to consider alternative modalities for the OJT, internships, and practicum of affected students in the area. HEI administrators are enjoined to work in close collaboration with the DOH regional office in determining the need for class suspensions, postponement or cancellation of any school event and activity and other steps required to prevent further transmission of the virus. All plans and decisions by the HEIs should be focused on ensuring the safety and health of all students, faculty, staff and administrators. 

As per advisories from the CHED public and private HEIs that are still using the old academic calendar with school year ending in March or in April were enjoined to move or cancel their graduation ceremonies to comply with the restriction on mass gatherings. State colleges and universities (SUCs), local colleges and universities (LUCs) and some private HEIs that have shifted their academic calendar or whose school semester starts in January do not need to postpone or cancel graduation but may need to adjust their semester as needed, adopt different delivery modes of teaching, and provide make up classes to compensate for the 30-day class suspension. All public and private HEIs should ensure that employees who are part of the skeletal force observe social distancing and practice precautionary measures directed by the DOH. 

(to be continued)