THE ALLIANCE of Concerned Teachers attributed the Covid19 cases reported in some schools to the “deficient” health measures implemented since the resumption of face-to-face classes last August 22, 2022.

“We have said it before, that the DepEd’s Covid19 prevention policy is a recipe for disaster as it lacked substantive measures to reduce risks of infection such as clear plans on how to provide the necessary health facilities, equipment, supplies and personnel,” Vladimer Quetua, the group’s chairperson, said.

“It only provided for mandatory facemask-wearing and distancing is optional given the cramped state of our classrooms. It only relies on parent’s judgement to prevent entry in schools of symptomatic learners, and burdens teachers of monitoring, reporting, sanitation and disinfection work,” the group added.

It said that the guidelines released by the Department of Education “added some specific guide on how to position electric fans, how many hand-washing facilities should be installed while pointing schools to the local government units for funding requirements.”

“Schools are left to craft their own containment plan and the DepEd is absolved of any responsibility over infection in schools,” Quetua said.

The group said the government has to invest on the health and safety of teachers and learners if it wants education to effectively recover.

“Nagkakalituhan din ngayon sa mga eskwelahan na may guro o mag-aaral na nag-positive kung ano ang gagawin. Ica-cancel ba ang face-to-face classes ng section kungsaan may nagpositive? Ang mga guro na nagturo sa klaseng may nagpositive, pinagtuturo pa rin nang palipat-lipat sa iba’t ibang section. Ang mga guro na lumiban dahil may sintomas o exposure, kailangang gumastos pa sa RT-PCR test para ma-avail ang excused absence, kundi ay makakaltasan ang kanyang sweldo, lalo at wala naman kaming sick leave credits. Saan kami lulugar?” Quetua said.

“Kailangan natin ng mas malakas at mas makabuluhang preventive measures, kongkretong mga plano, at mas malinaw na protocols,” he added.