Due to the threat of the Wuhan coronavirus, several schools in Metro Manila suspended classes on Monday. The schools said that this was in response to reports that there might be potential cases in the country.
Protecting against the coronavirus
Most of the schools that issued suspensions where Filipino-Chinese schools. These include:
- Chiang Kai Shek (Algue and Narra campuses)
- Tiong Se Academy
- Lorenzo Ruiz Academy
- Pace Academy
- Philippine Academy of Sakya
- Philippine Cultural College
- Saint Jude Catholic School
The schools made the announcements on their respective Facebook pages. These suspensions cover only the classes for Monday and, in the case of Saint Jude Catholic School, Tuesday.
Meanwhile, three other schools have decided to suspend classes indefinitely.
- Hope Christian High School
- St. Stephen Academy
- Uno High School
According to the schools’ administrations, the lengthy suspension is to give their staff enough time to review their faculty and students’ travel records. This is to determine if they have gone to regions that have high cases of coronavirus infection.
The schools advised parents and students to take precautionary measures. They requested parties who might have traveled to the affected regions to immediately inform authorities. Officials added that they should go into self-quarantine until they have secured medical certification. The schools assured that students who do so will not be negatively affected in their attendance records.
No need for suspensions
The sudden spate of suspension came after reports that there might already be cases of coronavirus infection in the country. However, the schools were quick to clarify that there is still no official confirmation of such cases.
For its part, the Department of Health said that there is no need to impose class suspensions. In an interview with ABS CBN, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque said such suspensions are not yet mandated on the guidelines they released for dealing with the Wuhan coronavirus. He added that private schools can exercise their discretion on the matter but the DOH will still coordinate with them regarding the suspensions.
Duque reiterated that there are still no confirmed cases of the virus in the country. The department is currently monitoring 14 patients around the country for potential signs of infection. Duque said that these patients displayed symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath and have traveled to Wuhan in China or nearby regions. But none have yet tested positive for the virus.
The 2019 Wuhan coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan in late December. There have since been 2700 reported cases in and around the city and 81 confirmed deaths. The Chinese government has since placed Wuhan under lockdown to prevent further spread. Other countries like Thailand, Australia, the United States, and France have also reported isolated cases, many of whom traveled to the city.