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12-day academic break imposed in Isabela

As cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases soared anew in Isabela, the schools’ division has suspended classes and other teaching-related activities for 12 days from January 17 to January 28 this year.

Schools division superintendent Dr. Madelyn Macalling, in her memorandum released on Friday, said “all synchronous and asynchronous classes shall be put on hold while submission of academic requirements and conduct of other teaching-related activities must be moved to a later date.”

Macalling said she consulted the Isabela provincial government officials and higher-ups of the education department on the decision.

“Private schools, in consultation with their respective parents’ associations, may exercise their own discretion relative to the suspension of classes and K to 12 learning activities when Covid-19 risks in their respective areas are high,” she added.

She said private schools may opt to follow the order at the discretion of their officials.

“The academic break is in consideration of teachers’ and learners’ health and well-being,” she said, reiterating that the order is in line with the Department of Education’s policy on “academic ease and allowing the suspension of classes in the midst of the surge of Covid-19 cases.”

Accommodations “must be afforded” for “valid reasons” for late submission of requirements, Macalling added.

Administrative and financial operations of the schools shall observe 60 percent on-site for non-teaching personnel while school heads would prepare alternative work arrangements, she said.

Isabela’s cases had ballooned to 1,575 active cases on Friday with 389 new cases. The total cumulative cases had reached 62,270, deaths at 2,103 and recoveries at 58,592.

Areas with a high number of active cases include Santiago City with 442, Cauayan City with 142, this capital city with 95, and Cabagan with 79 cases.

Source: Philippines News Agency