LATEST data from the Department of Education has shown a total of 823  teachers, non-teaching personnel and learners who have been tested positive of the coronavirus.

Of the total number, some 340 are teaching personnel, 186 are non-teaching and another 298 are students.

The August 23 DepEd data also showed that some 310 are active cases, 490 have recovered and the 23 infected patients have succumbed to death.

Meanwhile, there have been 19 confirmed cases at the DepEd central office, wherein six are active cases, 12 have recovered and one died.

The central office located in Pasig was closed from August 19 to 23 for disinfection. However, DepEd assured that work continues in preparation for the October 5 opening of classes.

DepEd Task Force Covid19 Memorandum No. 68, titled “Protocols in Handling, Management and Testing of Reported Covid19 cases and Close Contacts in the Central Office,” was issued in July 21, 2020, detailing the measures in detecting cases and close contacts among employees.

For now, the National Educators Academy of the Philippines in Marikina has been monitoring the facilities for those who acquired the Covid19.

While the DepEd confirmed it has no budget for teachers who get sick, it has partnered with PhilHealth and the Employees Compensation Commission to help teachers who may acquire the Covid19.

DepEd also said even prior to the pandemic, its budget is not enough to fulfill every need of the students and teachers.