Limited face-to-face classes for all programs

By Dr. Rex Casiple

In the supplemental guidelines to Commission on Higher Education-Department of Health (CHED-DOH) Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-004, on the additional guidelines for the operations of limited face-to-face classes of higher education institutions (HEIs) in areas under Alert Level 1, all state colleges and universities (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs) and private HEIs may conduct limited face-to-face classes for all programs.

However, only fully vaccinated teaching, non-teaching personnel, and students attending such limited face-to-face classes shall be allowed. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated students shall continue with the Flexible Learning Modalities.

Under the CHED Memorandum Order No. 01, series of 2022, Flexible Learning is defined as face-to-face learning, online learning, offline learning, or a combination of these three learning modalities. It is under the discretion of the school to choose which learning modalities they should apply as long as there is continuity of learning. All schools implementing limited face-to-face classes are advised to admit students based on the teacher-student ratio capacity, regular class sizes, and the holding or seating capacities of their facilities and venues.

All schools implementing limited face-to-face classes under Alert Level 1 shall comply with the minimum public health standards. The allowable classroom seating capacity is at 100% capacity. However, HEI may decide on a reduced capacity. There is no restriction on the physical distances between students, teaching and non-teaching personnel attending limited face-to-face classes, however, HEIs may provide appropriate social distancing protocol.

To ensure adequate air quality and ventilation during the conduct of limited face-to-face classes windows, free from toxic gases and pollutants,  shall be opened. In addition, ventilation fans shall be provided. Exhaust fans may be added to improve air changes per hour.

Sanitation facilities and hand hygiene shall be maintained to provide an adequate water supply and a hand washing station. Well-fitted masks shall be worn properly at all times except when eating or drinking in designated areas; participating in team and individual sports in venues with maintained ventilation standards; and practicing outdoor activities with maintained physical distancing. Under Alert Level 1, the use of plastic or acrylic barriers or dividers is optional.

However, disinfection of facilities, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, canteens, gymnasiums, and other highly touched surfaces and frequently visited areas shall be regularly scheduled for disinfection with disinfectants approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). Also under Alert Level 1, allowing HEIs to a maximum indoor capacity of 100%, the adoption of a cyclical student shifting system is optional.

Higher education institutions are encouraged to apply and maintain their Safety Seal Certification to ensure that they maintain their compliance with minimum public health standards. There is no restriction on the operations of student dormitories.

However, HEIs should coordinate with their respective Local Government Unit (LGU) before opening such dormitories. The conduct of the Physical Education classes is allowed with 100% capacity.

However, HEIs may decide on a reduced capacity based on their capability to comply with the minimum health and safety protocols. As per CHED-DOH JMC No. 2021-04, all HEIs conducting limited face-to-face classes shall ensure that students participating in limited face-to-face classes are registered with Philhealth or with equivalent medical insurance which covers medical expenses related to COVID-19 as either direct or indirect contributor.

The above-mentioned provisions are applicable only to HEs located in areas under Alert Level I. Hence, not knowing the alert level after the May 9 election, HEIs intending to operate limited face-to-face classes are encouraged to apply or maintain their Certificate of Compliance (COA) from CHED Regional Offices.