THE NEW normal classes still feature distance learning and will not be purely classroom-based, a Department of Education official said.

“What I see is that the new normal would be a combination of the school-based and home-based. Hindi na talaga ‘yung purely classroom ang ating new normal in education,” DepEd Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma said.

The department began the pilot run of in-person classes in 100 public schools from different regions, with more public and private schools holding face-to-face classes last Dec. 6.

Meanwhile, some 287 schools are already conducting physical classes with limited class hours.

Apart from Kindergarten to Grade 3, Senior High School will also be prioritized in having in-person classes next year for their hands-on training.

Earlier, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there had been no discussions about delaying the expansion of face-to-face classes.

She also said DOH is working with the DepEd and the Commission on Higher Education to avoid Covid19 outbreaks in schools.