DepEd to increase participating schools in pilot face-to-face classes

More schools will be added to the list of those participating in the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes in light of the improving COVID-19 situation in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Friday.

In a statement, the DepEd said 484 out of 638 areas have passed the Department of Health's (DOH) granular risk assessment as being "minimal or low risk" for the coronavirus.

The DepEd also said more local government units, including those in the National Capital Region (NCR), have asked for the inclusion of their schools for the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes.

"From the initial 100 public schools and 20 private schools, the DepEd and the DOH determine the final list of pilot schools based on DepEd's evaluation of school readiness and DOH's assessment of the COVID-19 risk level," the department said.

Announcement of the additional pilot schools will be done once validated, it added.

The DepEd said adding more schools to the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes has the blessing of the Office of the President.

"The expansion of the number of pilot schools will allow a greater degree of experience among all our regions that will serve us well for the expanded phase of face-to-face classes," the DepEd said.

Pilot face-to-face classes will start on November 15 for the 100 public schools, and November 22 for the 20 private schools. —KBK, GMA News