THE INTER-AGENCY Task Force Against Covid19 has approved the proposed  implementation of limited face-to-face classes in all college degree programs.

Acting Palace Spokesman Karlo Nograles said the IATF approved Resolution 148-G that allows universities and colleges to resume onsite learning in areas below Alert Level 3.

Under the resolution, limited in-person classes are now permitted provided that the indoor venue capacity is set at 50 percent.

Only vaccinated students, teachers and support staff are allowed to participate in in-person classes.

The resolution also said that there should also be no opposition from respective local governments.

“CHED (Commission on Higher Education) is mandated to execute the phased implementation program to ensure the safe reopening of higher education campuses,” Nograles said in a statement.

Phase 1 implementation period shall start in December 2021. During this phase, all higher education institutions in areas under Alert Level 2 can start applying for limited F2F classes.

Meanwhile, Phase 2 will start on January 2022 and onwards. In this phase, HEIs in areas under Alert Level 3 can start the application process.

Nograles pointed out that the gradual return to classrooms for college students should be done with “proactive measures and restrictions” to prevent Covid19 infection.

“The IATF would like to reiterate that the phased implementation of limited face-to-face classes in HEIs should be done alongside the continued implementation of proactive measures and restrictions that have been put in place to prevent the spread of Covid19, and have contributed to the steady decline in Covid19 cases in the country,” Nograles stressed.

“These include the vaccination of all eligible individuals, the wearing of masks, social distancing, and hand-washing,” he said.

The IATF urged all stakeholders involved to work together “to ensure the safety of students so that they may be able to return to their schools secure in the knowledge that every effort has been made to safeguard their health.”