DOH urges parents, guardians to approve F2F schooling

THE Department of Health (DOH) urged parents and guardians of school-aged children to give their approval for the return to face-to-face classes despite the lingering threat of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In a Public Health Advisory, the DOH said parents and guardians should take note of the numerous benefits of the face-to-face (F2F) schooling to students.

"Let's give our children the education and learning development they need and deserve this coming school year by providing the best education and protection," said the DOH.

Citing latest scientific evidence, it said F2F attendance in school will allow children to develop their cognitive and social skills experientially.

Similarly, the DOH said F2F schooling promotes physical and mental health and well-being among children.

What is crucial, however, is that the risks of getting infected in school is reduced and minimized, said the health department.

"The risk of getting Covid-19 at school can be reduced," said the DOH.

It said that one way to do so is by ensuring that teachers, students, and other school personnel all get vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19 once they are eligible.

The DOH said it is also necessary to maintain minimum public health standards, particularly by always wearing face masks, observe physical distancing, maintain good airflow, and frequent handwashing.

According to the Department of Education, there are already 25,668 (56.89 percent) public schools nationwide that have already gone back to in-person learning, while only 676 (5.47 percent) private schools have resumed face-to-face classes. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)