What we know so far about face-to-face classes in 2022

It’s been two years of online classes. We’ve all pretty much witnessed how everyone adjusted to the situation. From accessibility, academic workload, and mental health concerns, it’s an understatement to mention how much of a challenge it was for everyone involved. Now, in 2022, we’re slowly seeing a comeback to the reality of face-to-face classes.

But, with COVID-19 variants and surges coming in, how are schools faring on the protocols?

When students called for #LigtasNaBalikEskwela, the campaign considered long-term, sustainable plans of action. Or, more specifically, a safe reopening for classes. So, it gets us wondering, what’s going to happen now? Here’s what we know so far about the growing situation.

Latest announcements on face-to-face classes

From the Department of Education (DepEd) – For Junior and Senior High School

Last September 2021, the DepEd first announced a pilot run of 120 schools for limited face-to-face classes. This pilot study covered an initial 100 public schools in areas deemed as minimal risk for COVID-19. It ran from November to December 2021.

Then in January 2022, the DepEd planned to implement an expansion of limited face-to-face classes in more schools nationwide. However, due to the situation, the DepEd was advised by the Department of Health (DOH) to put on hold the plans, especially in Metro Manila and other high-risk places.

As of the moment, the DepEd has recommended the progressive expansion to areas under Alert Level 1 and 2 to start no later than the first week of February. However, they would still have to wait for the Department of Health’s COVID-19 risk assessment for the January 16 to 31 period.*

*News as of January 18, 2022. May be subject to change depending on the situation.

From the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – For Colleges and Universities

As early as November 2021, the CHED announced that higher education institutions (HEIs) would gradually be allowed to conduct limited in-person classes for all degree programs. Prior to the approval for all degree programs, the CHED previously only allowed certain programs that required hands-on experience, like medicine and engineering.

According to the CHED, limited face-to-face classes are to be allowed under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3 subject to certain conditions. The plan was described through the following phases:

In Phase 1, all regions under Alert Level 2 may apply to conduct limited face-to-face classes beginning December 2021 and onwards.
In Phase 2, all regions under Alert Level 3 can apply. The implementation period will be January 2022 and onwards.

Phase 1 in areas with lower alert levels had already started in December 2021. And Phase 2 is set to begin on January 31, 2022* in areas placed under Alert Level 3.

*News as of January 11, 2022. May be subject to change depending on the situation.

Protocols for safe reopening

Both the DepEd and CHED have released their guidelines with the DOH. And across all levels, the participating schools for limited face-to-face classes must follow these conditions:

Located in minimal risk areas based on DOH criteria
Passed the readiness assessment for school safety
Part of the list of participating schools from the DepEd or CHED
Must have written support from local government units (LGUs)
Must have written consent of parents and/or legal guardians of students

As classes go on, there will be strictly implemented health and safety protocols in the school premises, such as:

Proper hand washing and hand hygiene
Regular disinfection and sanitation stations
Health declaration forms and temperature check upon entry
Wearing of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g. face masks, face shields, etc.) “No mask, no entry”
Reduction in class size up to a maximum of 15-20 students
Physical distancing of 1-2 meters apart for classroom seating
Clear visual cues, floor markers, and protective barriers
Control of flow of people for entrance and exit points
Measures for case detection, contact tracing, quarantine, and isolation
No face-to-face extracurricular activities or mass gatherings

There will also be additional measures, such as personal hygiene kits, natural airflow and ventilation, contingency plans, and cyclical student shifting schedules. This is where schools can limit the amount of students present on campus at a given day.

Meanwhile, for COVID-19 vaccination, it will be required for all teaching and non-teaching personnel. As for the students, the CHED said that only fully vaccinated students could join limited face-to-face classes. For the DepEd on vaccination for minors, the priority is to vaccinate the teachers and personnel.

At the end of the day, it’s still within discretion whether schools or students want to participate in face-to-face classes! Eligible schools meeting the conditions can still continue flexible learning without prejudice. And the same goes for their students. As DepEd said, “No learner shall be forced to attend the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes.”

So, make sure to check out for updates, stay safe, and most importantly, wear a mask!

Art Header by Shai Libunao