THERE is no direct correlation between the implementation of in-person classes and Covid19 transmission, the Department of Education said on Wednesday.

“We take the OCTA Research seriously, nakakatulong naman po ‘yan as guidance for us. However, if you look at other studies also like UNICEF, there is no direct correlation between in-person classes and transmission as long as nandiyan ‘yung minimum health and safety standards natin,” the department’s spokesman Michael Poa said.

He was reacting to the statement of Dr. David Guido, OCTA Research fellow, that there is a possibility that Covid19 cases will increase when classes reopen later this month.

Poa reiterated that vaccination will not be required for those attending face-to-face classes.

“We are one with the President in encouraging everyone to get either vaccinated or get their booster shots kung hindi pa sila nakakapagpa-booster,” Poa said.

“However, as we all know, the government’s vaccination program is not mandatory in nature. Voluntary pa rin po siya. As a matter of national policy, sumusunod din ang DepEd. Hindi po tayo mandatory sa DepEd,” he added.