THE DEPARTMENT of Education authorized its regional and schools division offices to suspend classes and other teaching-related activities amid the surge in Covid19 cases.

“Given the varying health situations in different areas, the regional and schools division offices are given the option, based on their reliable assessment of the health status of their teachers and learners and the IATF risk classification, to declare suspension of classes within the month of January 2022,” DepEd said in a memorandum.

Regional offices can decide when and how long they will suspend classes as long as the suspension does not exceed two weeks.

Offices that will suspend classes will have to make the necessary adjustments in the school calendar to ensure that the number of school days remains in accordance with the Republic Act 11480.

The department said that all synchronous and asynchronous classes will be put on hold while the submission of academic requirements and the conduct of other teaching-related activities will be moved to a later date.

For late submission of requirements, accommodations must be afforded for those with valid reasons.

The agency also requires schools to keep implementing the suggested measures to foster academic ease during the Covid19 pandemic.

Private schools, in consultation with their parents’ associations, may exercise their own discretion relative to the suspension of classes and K to 12 learning activities when Covid19 risks in their respective areas are high.