Limited face-to-face classes in all degree programs allowed under Alert Level 2 —CHED chair

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Prospero de Vera  III on Friday said universities and colleges may be allowed to conduct limited face-to-face classes in all degree programs but with several conditions.

In a vaccination event in Palawan, De Vera said this was discussed by the commission and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) earlier this week.

"It is already Category [Alert Level] 2, we will allow now limited face-to-face up to 50% capacity in all degree programs in these areas," he said.

Among the conditions he mentioned are: schools should have a high vaccination rate among students and faculty, and should have retrofitted facilities inspected by authorities.

De Vera also said that the conduct of limited face-to-face classes should have consent from the concerned local government units.

He said this could happen in Metro Manila since the vaccination rate in the region is high.

Malacanang on Thursday announced that the IATF, the government's policy-making body in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, has agreed to downgrade Metro Manila to Alert Level 2 starting November 5, 2021.

Under Alert Level 2, intrazonal and interzonal travel is allowed subject to reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities, as may be determined by LGUs which should not be stricter as prescribed in Alert Level 4.

Also, minors and those belonging to vulnerable population must be allowed to access essential goods and services.

Individual outdoor exercises are likewise allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status. —KBK, GMA News