DOH backs CHED’s move to allow unvaccinated students, teachers to attend face-to-face classes

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday expressed its support to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)’s decision allowing unvaccinated tertiary students and personnel to participate in face-to-face classes.

In a statement, the DOH said CHED consulted with the department and health experts on its decision to allow students and personnel regardless of their vaccination status to join in-person classes.

“Our COVID-19 response is dynamic, and always follows the latest scientific recommendations available. The benefits of in-person and face-to-face schooling now outweigh the risk of COVID-19 infections,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

“Face-to-face classes boost academic performance, improve on mental health and well-being, and help develop social engagement skills. Furthermore, many of our bright yet disadvantaged students find it difficult to spend on devices and internet access,” she added.

Vergeire, however, said that vaccination and boosters for all eligible individuals are still strongly recommended, even if proof of vaccination is no longer needed.

CHED chairperson Prospero de Vera III announced on Monday that the guidelines released in November 2021, which mandated that only fully vaccinated students, teaching and non-teaching personnel may participate in limited face-to-face classes, have been revised.

He explained that among the considerations for updating their guidelines for in-person classes included the “high” vaccination coverage in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the low-risk classification for COVID-19 in the country, and the decreasing COVID-19 infections for all age groups.

The DOH said there is a high COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Philippine higher education, with 77% of students and 90% of HEI personnel already fully vaccinated against the virus.

Vergeire said DOH will continue working with CHED and universities to ensure safe face-to-face classes among the students and personnel.

“Our PinasLakas campaign for vaccination and boosters, plus continued adherence to the minimum public health standards make this return to university and college life on campus possible,” she said.

“Students and personnel should always be BIDA: wear the Best fitting mask, Isolate when sick, Double up protection with vaccination and boosters, and ensure good Airflow,” she added.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has allowed unvaccinated teachers to teach in classrooms during the resumption of face-to-face classes on August 22.—AOL/RSJ, GMA News