THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas said it will not increase classroom capacity for limited face-to-face classes to ensure the health and safety of the students.

A report by the school’s publication The Varsitarian said that the university will retain its guidelines on physical classes.

“We will maintain cohort schedules for limited F2F classes in order to ensure physical distancing as we gradually expand the implementation to other programs,” Professor Cheryl Peralta, UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, said.

“The University shall take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of our stakeholders in the conduct of in-person classes,” she added.

The Inter-Agency Task Force Against Covid19 has allowed higher education institution to conduct in-person classes at 100 percent capacity in areas under Alert Level 1.

However, CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III said that school officials can use their discretion to limit the volume of students who are attending face-to-face classes.

De Vera also said that unvaccinated students will have to continue attending online classes.

Earlier this month, UST announced the expansion of limited face-to-face classes to other degree programs as the National Capital Region was placed under Alert Level 1 status.

The school said it will also resume retrofitting its facilities for physical classes and continue preparations for internships, practicum and fieldwork.