UP Cebu to hold online classes from May 4 due to rising COVID-19 cases

The University of the Philippines-Cebu announced on Wednesday a temporary shift to online classes starting May 4 due to rising COVID-19 cases on campus.
 
Based on the memorandum issued by the Office of the Chancellor, the transition to online classes applies to all courses except those that “necessitate access to studios or laboratories and the high school program.”
 
“Please note that the transition to online instruction applies to all courses, with the exception of those that necessitate access to studios or laboratories and the high school program. These select classes will continue to be conducted on campus while adhering to stringent safety protocols,” the memorandum stated.

All classrooms will be thoroughly disinfected during this one-week period.
 
“Campus access remains unrestricted, and all services will continue to be available throughout this period. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and follow the established health and safety guidelines to help mitigate the spread of the virus,” it said.

The Office of the Chancellor hopes that onsite classes will resume on May 11.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier reported a 42% increase in the average daily new COVID-19 cases from April 24 to 30.
 
The DOH, however, has recommended to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. not to bring back the mandatory wearing of face masks.
 
It added that the recent rise in COVID-19 cases does not translate to more severe and critical cases or even deaths.

As of May 2, the Philippines’ COVID-19 tally was 4,095,468, including 7,037 active cases. —VBL, GMA Integrated News