THE UNIVERSITY of the East is considering conducting limited face-to-face classes for students taking up medical and dentistry courses in the second semester of Academic Year 2020-2021.

“Classes will end before Christmas. We are now discussing possible limited face-to-face classes in areas that absolutely need them, like in Dentistry and other health programs,” UE President  Ester Albano Garcia said.

The UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center started opening its wards and doctors’ clinics again this month as part of the university’s preparations for physical classes once the government allows it.

“The situation finally stabilized and so we started opening the clinics and the wards again. By early December most of them were open. This is also in preparation for the expected face to face classes, hopefully by January, which will allow interns and students to report to the hospital for their clinical experience,” Garcia said.

The university also resumed the renovation of the first floor of the hospital that will be used for face-to-face classes. This is the last phase of the renovation project of the hospital building.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education will release the health and safety guidelines of higher education institutions eyeing physical classes within the month.

According to CHED, only programs with lessons and activities that would be difficult to be taught through online learning would be allowed.

CHED added that HEIs should coordinate with local government units if they want to conduct in-person classes by January.