The Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) suggested phased inclusion of physical classes for all programs was approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases.
CHED is mandated to carry out the phased implementation schedule for the safe reopening of campuses, according to acting presidential spokesperson Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Wednesday.
Nograles stated in a statement that the CHED is “mandated to execute the phased implementation program to ensure the safe reopening of higher education campuses.”
The first phase, which begins in December 2021, allows all higher education institutions (HEIs) in Alert Level 2 areas to apply for limited in-person classes.
HEIs in areas with Alert Level 3 can apply for limited in-person classes during the second phase, which begins in January 2022.
Previously, only certain schools, such as medicine and engineering, were permitted to offer restricted in-person classes. Students in other programs studied via virtual learning, which was established by colleges and universities when actual classes were banned last year because to the pandemic.
During the progressive implementation of limited in-person classes, the IATF encouraged the public to maintain following health procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“These include immunization of all eligible individuals, mask wear, social separation, and hand-washing,” it said.
The implementation of in-person lessons must retain a 50% indoor venue capacity, no objection from the local government unit in question, and involvement of fully immunized teaching and non-teaching professionals and students.
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