Some schools to keep masks on as face-to-face classes begin next week

Some schools will still implement the wearing of face masks as full face-to-face classes in public schools begin on November 2, according to Mariz Umali’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday.

The Quezon City High School is already geared up for the full in-person  classes next week.

“Almost 100% naman po kasi nagkaroon na po kami ng dry run mula nung month ng August at itong October so almost two months po iyon so medyo nakakasanayan na po ng mga bata,” Fidel Guantero Jr., assistant principal and head teacher VI of the school said.

(We are almost 100% ready because we had a dry run in the months of August and October. That's almost two months so the kids are getting used to it.)

“Hindi hassle sa oras. Mas matututo na po (There's no hassle, we can learn more),” a student said.

“Navaccinan naman po, protektado naman po hindi na masyadong malala (We were vaccinated and protected against virus),” another student said.

Guantero said they will still implement the wearing of face masks among the students as part of precautionary measures amid COVID-19 pandemic.

“Kahit bumaba yung panukala na voluntary na lang yung pagsusuot ng mask pero talagang oobligahin namin sila magsuot ng mask at yun din po ang kagustuhan ng mga parent,” Guantero said.

(Even if the proposal on the voluntary wearing of face mask is issued, we will still oblige them to wear a mask and that is also the wish of the parents.)

They will also open the windows to maintain good ventilation. The students will also have different periods of break time per grade level to avoid crowding in the canteen.

Several teachers, however, are worried over the situation.

“Ang agam agam namin kasi syempre baka may ibang variant na makapasok, yung mga bata galing labas kasi mostly hindi lahat taga Quezon City ang nag-aaral dito so sa pagtuturo namin mahihirapan din kaming madetect kung may dala dalang virus sila so konting ingat,” Noel Villena, head teacher III of Quezon City High School, said.

(We have fears because another variant might come in.  Not all of study here are from Quezon City, man come from other cities, so it will be hard for us to detect if they are carrying the virus. We have to remain vigilant.)

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) expressed concern for the safety of the teachers.

“Paano naman kami? Di naman kami robot, ‘di naman kami makina, tinatablan din kami ‘no? Kaya mapipilitan po kaming ihanda ang sarili namin, ang aming kalusugan, ang aming mga bulsa,” Vladimir Quetua, national chairperson of ACT, said.

(What about us? We are not robots, we are not machines. So we really need to to prepare ourselves, our health, our pockets.)

GMA News sought comment from the Department of Education on this report. —Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News