AN OFFICIAL of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Northern Mindanao said they are taking all precautionary measures necessary to maintain the safety of students amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat.
Dr. Myra Yee of DepEd-Northern Mindanao said the education department in the region has been distributing soaps and alcohol and deployed health personnel in schools 24/7.
"Naa pud mi preventive alert system sa schools, which is kada adlaw ang teacher mag check sa estudyante kun kinsa gihilantan (We also have a preventive alert system in schools, wherein teachers check who among the students have fever)," Yee said.
The DepEd has cancelled some of its major events since last week.
In a memorandum it issued Monday, March 9, DepEd said all national and regional involving learners and/or teachers requiring travel and congregation of various schools and/or division, including regional athletic meets, are ordered suspended until further notice through an appropriate memorandum.
All division and district activities that involve the gathering/congregation of various schools in cities and municipalities are highly discouraged.
However, activities that involve congregation of learners within the school may proceed, provided that all personnel and learners exhibiting respiratory infections must not attend and that the applicable guidelines are strictly observed.
Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin Uy said the suspension of activities and possible cancellation of graduation rites is expected.
"Expected naman gyud. Naay circular nila (DepEd) nga tanan graduation rites naay cancellation of it with the proper guidance," Uy said.
Meanwhile, with the coming Holy Week, the vice-mayor said it is up to the people whether they will be visiting the religious sites or not.
"Test of the belief and faith labi na sa kana nga panahon kay if you believe na... strong belief and faith nga dili ka matakdan, gahi gyud ka sa pagtuo sa Ginoo nga dili ka tagaan og sakit," Uy said.
