DepEd suspends face-to-face classes in Metro Manila amid return to Alert Level 3

The Department of Education (DepEd) over the weekend announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in the National Capital Region (NCR), amid the area’s shift back to a COVID-19 Alert Level 3.

According to the DepEd, the suspension was made in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), following the “notable” increase in the country’s COVID-19 cases.

“[F]ace-to-face classes for pilot schools in NCR are suspended until the alert level reverts to Level 2,” the DepEd said in an advisory released on Sunday night.

Some 28 public schools in Metro Manila started conducting in-person classes in December, albeit with limited capacity.

“Face-to-face classes in pilot schools in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2 shall continue in the meantime that DepEd finalizes its report on the pilot face-to-face classes,” the advisory read.

The National Capital Region will be placed under Alert 3 starting Monday, January 3, until January 15, 2022, following the steep increase in new COVID-19 infections in the country.

The Philippines on Sunday recorded 4,600 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the country’s active case tally to 21,418. The total caseload now stands at 2.851 million which includes 2.778 million recoveries, and 51,570 deaths. — DVM, GMA News