The rise of Covid-19 cases in schools are expected after face-to-face classes started in August, Department of Health (DOH) Officer in Charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Tuesday.
“Mayroong transmission na nangyayari, pero nakikita agad because of safety officers [There’s transmission happening but it can easily be detected because of safety officers],” Vergeire said in a news briefing.
The Department of Education on October 2 confirmed that Covid-19 cases have been reported in schools.
Safety officers are designated to conduct health screenings and implement Covid-19 protocols.
She, however, said that they are still gathering details on the number of affected students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel who contracted the disease.
To prevent the spread of Covid, Vergeire urged parents to get their children vaccinated.
PinasLakas
Meanwhile, Vergeire reported that under the PinasLakas campaign, 3.2 million individuals have already received their first booster shot.
Cumulatively, she said, 19.7 million got their first booster, which equates to 25 percent of the eligible population.
Earlier Vergeire stressed that PinasLakas campaign for vaccination and boosters, plus continued adherence to the minimum public health standards make the return to school return possible.
She also reminded students and personnel to always be BIDA: wear the Best fitting mask, Isolate when sick, Double up protection with vaccination and boosters, and ensure good airflow.