THE CITY of Manila is open to the holding of face-to-face classes in schools and universities offering medical programs.

Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso said the city is likely to approve applications for the holding of physical classes as long as health protocols are followed.

“We welcome CEU or for that matter, EAC, FEU, or anybody na may medical school. Malamang sa hindi, papayagan namin,” Domagoso said.

Even nursing schools would also be likely allowed to hold face-to-face classes as long as they follow the guidelines set by the Commission on Higher Education.

The mayor said that the city could offer free RT-PCR testing for medical students who will participate in these classes.

“We have three machines and two laboratories. We can offer [swab test] regularly. Para magkaroon sila ng peace of mind, we can submit them to swab testing, and it can be available for free so that it would not add cost to the students,” he said.

So far, only the University of Santo Tomas has been allowed to resume classes for its medical and allied health programs.