IATF seriously studying if physical classes for kids possible, says official

December 2, 2020

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases is seriously studying if physical classes are possible for basic education in areas under modified general community quarantine, an official said on Wednesday.

National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said the IATF is just allowing holiday season to pass and after that they would evaluate the figures related to coronavirus disease cases.

"We've seen that when it's MGCQ, our policy is very lenient and we will see if we can have simulations this coming January," he said.

"The IATF will check everything and we are thoroughly studying if we will allow already (the face to face classes for basic education)," Galvez said.

He made the statement after the IATF has allowed children below 15 years old to go to the malls provided there is an ordinance by the local government units and the kids are accompanied by their parents.

Galvez noted that if the government would allow face-to-face classes, more than 16 million students would be present in schools.

If that happens, Galvez said students could be a "super spreader" of  COVID-19 and the government might have a hard time handling the situation.

"So, right now the IATF just wants to finish first the holiday season and we will evaluate the figures," he added. Celerina Monte/DMS