Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, Lapu-Lapu City Schools Division superintendent, told SunStar Cebu on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, they wanted to protect them from infection, especially since there are many students in a classroom.
Department of Education (DepEd) 7 Director Salustiano Jimenez had urged students to wear face masks in schools during the first week of in-person classes, which started on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
While mask wearing is no longer mandatory in schools, Jimenez had said wearing one could help prevent a surge in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, particularly in highly urbanized cities that have large populations.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 7 last Oct. 28, which mandates that wearing of masks indoors and outdoors is now optional.
The order was adopted by Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte for the education sector.
Mask wearing remains mandatory only in healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles and all public transportation.
Meanwhile, Bongalos said all public schools in Lapu-Lapu City still follow the health protocol, adding that they also have temporary isolation rooms for students who may experience Covid-like symptoms during classes.
The rooms also serve as waiting areas for students who will be picked up by their parents.
Bongalos reiterated that students with Covid-like symptoms should not attend classes, adding that parents or guardians can inform the concerned teachers through call or text message.
“We also have ready modules if the student can’t go to school,” she said.
As of Saturday, November 5, the division superintendent said they had no recorded Covid-19 case among their students since the start of face-to-face classes in August. (MKG)