QUEZON CITY, February 13, 2020 – Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary for Administration (OUA) Alain Del B. Pascua assured learners that DepEd Task Force COVID-19 is strengthening its measures against the coronavirus disease, during his visit yesterday at Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science-Technology High School In Quezon City.

“Mahalaga kayo sa DepEd. Alam namin na your dreams cannot wait. Kung kaya, ang paghubog sa inyong mga kakayanan must continue. May DepEd memorandum No.15 dahil ayaw nating ma-delay ng anumang virus o sakuna ang trabaho nating ito,” Pascua said.

“Bawat isa sa inyo dito ngayon, asahan ninyo na prayoridad ng DepEd hindi lamang ang inyong kaligtasan, kundi ang inyong patuloy na pag-unlad sa pag-aaral,” he added.

Usec. Pascua encouraged all individuals to follow protective measures such as practicing hand hygiene and proper coughing etiquette; avoiding symptomatic individuals and contact with farm and wild animals; consuming enough water; cooking food thoroughly; seeking immediate consultation when symptoms occur; initiating self-quarantine for 14 days (those with travel history and exposure); and enhancing standard infection prevention and control practices for all health facilities.

“Para maging successful tayo rito, kailangan ng DepEd ang inyong kooperasyon. Ginagawa ng DepEd personnel at ng mga teacher ninyo ang kanilang tungkulin para maprotektahan kayo,” he emphasized.

Pursuant to DepEd Memorandum No. 11, DepEd Task Force COVID-19, in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH), will lead the overall efforts of the Department within the school system in addressing the situation through formulation of policies and development strategies and action plans, implementation of its response to the virus, including decisions for school suspensions, and promulgation of standard protocols in DepEd offices and schools.

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