By Alec Go
The Manila local government has suspended the in-person and online classes in all levels in the city starting Jan. 14 until Jan. 21 to give way for a “health break” amid the current COVID-19 case surge.
The announcement was aired in a Facebook live of City Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso on Thursday (Jan. 13) afternoon.
“Mataas po ang anxiety level ng mga magulang para sa kanilang mag-aaral na estudyante, at ganoon din ang anxiety level ng mga guro,” Domagoso said, noting that there is a case spike in communities and workplaces.
“Marami tayong mga guro ngayon infected. Marami rin tayong mag estudyanteng infected ng COVID-19,” he said.
KAPAPASOK NA BALITA: Inanunsiyo ni Manila Mayor Isko Moreno na suspendido ang klase sa lungsod (all levels, both online and physical) mula Enero 14-21 upang magpatupad ng “health break” kasabay ng pagtaas ng mga kaso ng COVID-19. (Screengrab from Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso FB) pic.twitter.com/vOJ2FUKtoJ
— PTVph (@PTVph) January 13, 2022
The official said the break is in a bid to reduce anxiety levels among teachers who have been conducting online classes despite their infection, as well as parents worried about the absence of their children.
The class suspension will cover both public and private schools.
Meanwhile, the gatherings for the feast of Santo Niῆo will be prohibited through Executive Order No. 4, series of 2022. The prohibitions include street parties and games, religious processions, stage shows, parades, and other public gatherings.
The city also expanded its drive-thru booster vaccination by making it 24 hours operational starting 12:00 a.m. on Jan. 14. Domagoso said Manila will recognize all the vaccination cards issued by other cities. – With reports from Patrick de Jesus – bny
