Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF LEARNER SUPPORT SERVICES DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City

CORONA VIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19, formerly 2019-nCoV ARD) DepEd Situation Report (SitRep) No. 28 As of 27 February 2020, 1700H

I. Situational Background

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD) is a coronavirus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. It has since spread globally, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Department of Health (DOH) announced on 30 January 2020 the first confirmed case of the 2019-nCoV ARD in the Philippines.

The WHO named the disease COVID-19 short for Corona Virus Disease 2019 in February 2020, following consultation and collaboration with the World Organization for Animal Health and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

II. Impact to Education

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo suspended classes from 05 to 07 February 2020 in all public schools in the province due to the threat of the COVID-19. Private schools were given the discretion whether or not to suspend classes.

Table 1. Summary of Class Suspensions due to the COVID-19 (Partial)*

Total Total Total Days Lost Level of Region Date of Divisions Schools Learners Due to Suspension Suspension Affected Affected ** Affected Suspension Region VII 6 899 334,206 5-Feb-2020 3 All Levels TOTAL 6 899 334,206 * Highest level of suspension * Based on earliest date of suspension.

Table 2. Summary of Referred Suspected Cases Date of Location Referred Suspected Remarks Report (DepEd Division) Cases 26 February Mabalacat 1 learner  Medical certificate of 1 case from Singapore noted by the RHU Physician in charge 23 February 1 learner (Grade 12)  On 14 day quarantine since arrival from Singapore last Feb. 18 22 February II 1 learner (Grade 9)  Exposure from aunt with travel history in Hong Kong  Experiences fever, cough and colds, difficulty breathing  Referred to municipal health office on February 17 17 February Zamboanga Del 1 personnel  Travel history from Shanghai Norte  Completed 14 day home quarantine; received medical clearance 17 February Pangasinan II 1 personnel on quarantine; travel history from Taiwan 13 February Misamis 1 personnel  on home quarantine; travel history Occidental from Australia  received medical clearance 13 February Malaybay 1 personnel  on quarantine, travel history from China

 received medical clearance on February 17 13 February 3 learners (1 HS and 2  exposed to parent with travel elementary) history from Macao;

 results of test on February 17: negative 12 February Province 2 learners  Closely monitored by RHU; exposure from father with travel history from Hongkong  No fever but with colds; still on home quarantine as of February 19

III. Actions Taken by the Department of Education

Following the creation of a Task Force to manage DepEd's response to the 2019- nCoV ARD through Department Memorandum No. 11, s. 2020, the Department issued the First Set of Policy Directives of the DepEd Task Force (DM No. 15, s. 2020); Amendment to DepEd Memorandum No. 11: Creation of a Task Force for the Management of Department of Education Response to Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (DM No. 19, s. 2020) and the Second Set of Policy Directives of the DepEd Task Force (DM No. 21, s. 2020).

The Third Set of Policy Directives of the DepEd Task Force on COVID-19 (DM 23 s. 2020) was released lifting the suspension of DepEd Activities beginning February 24. Travel measures and restrictions still remain in effect while schools should ensure adequate supply of water and soap.

The Policy Directives provides, among others, measures for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 in Basic Education Schools and DepEd Offices; the formation/activation of DRRM Teams to combat the virus; and safety precautions and protocols and reporting templates. Prevention and control measures include placing travel limitations and restrictions and the suspension of national and regional activities and off- campus activities for February 2020.

Other actions taken by DepEd include the following:

DATE DETAILS Reported Activities of Division Offices  Province o Coordination with LGU o IEC Campaign  Vigan City o IEC Campaign o Distribution of Infrared Thermometers 27 February 2020 o Handwashing Drills o Classroom Based Flag Ceremony  o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drills o Distribution of Hygiene Kits o Coordination with LGU

Reported Activities of Division Offices  City o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drills o Monitoring of Handwashing facilities o Distribution of Alcohol  o IEC campaign o Handwashing drills  26 February 2020 o IEC campaign o Handwashing drills o Clean-up drive  Mabalacat o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drills o Daily body temperature check  o IEC Campaign o Handwashing Drills o Reported Activities of Division Offices  o IEC Campaign 25 February 2020  Naga o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drills o Health assessments Reported Activities of Division Offices  Bukidnon o IEC Campaign 24 February 2020 o Handwashing Drills  Davao City o Continuous close monitoring of infectious disease o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drills  Panabo City, Province o Continuous close monitoring of infectious disease  Balanga City, Toledo City o IEC Campaign Reported Activities of Division Offices  Science City of Munoz o Close Monitoring of cases of Infectious Diseases in Schools 23 February 2020  Davao Del Sur o IEC Campaign o Handwashing Drills o Clean-up drive Reported Activities of Division Offices  Navotas, Ozamis o IEC Campaign o Handwashing Drills, disinfection o Clean-up drive o Daily monitoring of body temperature, Health Check-up  Koronadal o IEC Campign o Coordination with LGU  General Santos o Establishment of Help desk for inquries on COVID-19 o IEC Campaign o Handwashing/Disinfection drills o Coordination with LGU 22 February 2020  Saranggani, o IEC campaign o Handwashing Drills  , Pangasinan II o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drills o Distribution of soaps and alcohol o Close monitoring of learners and personnel health status  o IEC campaign on COVID and Polio o Handwashing drills  Antipolo o IEC campaign o Close monitoring of learners and personnel health status Reported Activities of Division Offices  Candon, Urdaneta City, , Quezon, San Fernando City, Cabanatuan, Tarlac, Mabalacat, Cagayan, Pangasinan I, Ilocos Norte, Las Pinas City, o Continuous close monitoring of infectious diseases  , Calapan City, Digos City, Meycauyan, San Pablo City, Tagum City, , Cebu Province, Mati City, Oroquieta, Las Pinas, Mandaue City, Tabuk City, , 17-21 February 2020 Alaminos, San Jose Del monte, , Mandaluyong City, , , Malaybalay, Talisay City, , Carcar, o IEC campaign o Continuous close monitoring of infectious disease  Dagupan City o IEC Campaign o Distribution of hand soaps, alcohol o Physical examination o Vitamin A supplementation  Santiago City o IEC Campaign o Cancelling of school activities o Daily monitoring of learners  El Salvador City o IEC campaign for personnel o Coordination with LGU o Distribution of Contingency Plan to schools  Dasmarinas o Handwashing drills  Muntinlupa, Paranaque City, , San Fernando, Caloocan o IEC Campaign o Handwashing Drills o Body Temperature monitoring  Guihulngan City, , , Danao o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drills  General Trias City, o IEC Campaign o Distribution of Alchohol o Handwashing drills  Tagbilaran City, Pasay City, o IEC Campaign o Distribution of Alchohol o Handwashing drills o Clean-up Drive  o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drills o Distribution of hand soaps o Provision of Vitamin C  Tabaco City o IEC Campaign o Handwashing Drills o Distribution of alcohol o Provision of Vitamin C  o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drill o Coordination with LGU  Region o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drills o Daily monitoring of Body Temperature o Distribution of Alcohol in offices  Department Memorandum No. 23 s. 2020 entitled Policy Directives of the DepEd Task Force on COVID-19 was posted (Feb 19, 1900H) o National, regional and /or off-campus activities may resume starting February 24, 2020.  Continuous health monitoring of learners and personnel is still being 20 February 2020 done

Reported Activities of Division Offices:  Rizal Province o IEC Campaign  Tagum City o IEC Campaign  Gapan City o IEC Campaign  Calapan City o IEC Campaign  Calbayog City o Creation of task force

Reported Activities of Division Offices:  Sagay o IEC Campaign, Handwashing Drills o Distribution of hand soap  City o Issuance of memorandum re suspension of activities and awareness campaign as per DM No. 15 and 21 s. 2020 and DOH advisory  Sipalay City o Formation of Task Force o IEC Campaign, o Distribution of hand soaps and alcohol  o IEC Campaign o Daily sanitizing and handwashing 19 February 2020  o IEC Campaign o Continous surveillance and issuance of medical clearances o Coordination with LGU  Ilagan o IEC Campaign, integration to lessons o Provision of hand sanitizers and soaps  Laoag City o IEC Campaign o Installation of additional handwashing facilities o Thermal screening of personnel and visitors  Zamboanga del Norte o IEC Campaign  o Creation of Task Force o IEC Campaign, Handwashing drills Reported Activities of Division Offices:  Davao Occidental o IEC Campaign  Nueva Vizcaya o IEC Campaign o Classroom-based flag ceremony  Mandaue 18 February 2020 o Organized Task Force Group o IEC Campaign  Agusan Del Norte o IEC Campaign o Coordination with LGU  o IEC Campaign, regular radio programming re COVID19 o Coordination with LGU 17 February 2020 Reported Activities of Division Offices:  o IEC Campaign o Provision of Alcohol  Paranaque o IEC Campaign, Handwashing drills o Daily body temperature check o Distribution of alcohol, surgical masks to teachers and personnel o Clean up drive  Toledo City o IEC Campaign  Bayawan City o Creation of Task Force o IEC Campaign o Coordination with LGU  Olongapo o IEC Campaign, Handwashing drills o Clean up drive  Pangasinan II o Suspension of Flag Raising Activity o IEC Campaign  Mabalacat o IEC Campaign, handwashing drill o Daily monitoring of body temperature  Bais City o IEC Campaign  San Jose Del Monte o IEC Campaign o Medical Check-up  Aklan o Coordination with LGU o IEC Campaign, Handwashing drills o Distribution of hygiene kits  Taguig and Pateros o IEC Campaign, Handwashing Drills o Daily body temperature check o Installation of disinfectant in buildings  Region XII o IEC Campaign  Dagupan City o Creation of task force o Physical exam and treatment of athletes with URTI. o Postponement of activities o IEC campaign, handwashing drills o Distribution of soaps, alcohol, surgical masks o Validation of handwashing facilities Reported Activities of Division Offices:  Mati City o IEC Campaign, handwashing drills  Abra o IEC Campaign, handwashing drills 16 February 2020 o Distribution of alcohol, sanitizers, hand soap, vitamins o Coordination with LGU o Clean-up drive o Measured water break  Bacoor o IEC Campaign, handwashing drills  Balanga City o IEC campaign, handwashing drills

 Alternative Delivery Modes of education were given to quarantined learners who have exhibited symptoms (fever, cough and colds) and other contagious infections

Reported Activities of Division Offices:  Carcar o IEC Campaign o Environmental Clean-up  Ozamiz o IEC Campaign o Handwashing drills o Integration of health measures to curriculum o Provision of alcohol and sanitizers o Clean-up drive  Talisay o IEC Campaign o Activation of Online Monitoring 15 February 2020  Cebu Province o IEC Campaign o Coordination with LGU  Cotabato o IEC Campaign, Handwashing Drills  o IEC Campaign  Kidapawan o IEC Campaign o Handwashing Drills  o IEC Campaign o Handwashing Drills o Body Temperature check-up to visitors  Koronadal o IEC Campaign, Handwashing drills

 Continuous precautionary measures advised to DepEd stakeholders  Health personnel conducts close monitoring of health status of learners and personnel  Referral of persons with symptoms like fever, cough and colds to health centers/ physicians  Updating of Task Forces for Division Offices  Attendance to LGU Meetings on COVID-19 Measures  Awareness campaign through lectures, posters and distribution of IEC materials, room to room health talks, video presentations 10-14 February 2020 Reported Activities of Division Offices:  Mabalacat o Handwashing Drills  Caloocan o Monitoring of Temperature before entering schools; o IEC campaign o promoted handwashing and use of alcohol and sanitizers o distribution of alcohol  Talisay City Division o Posting of Tarpaulins for proper handwashing  Quezon Division: IEC activities on COVID-19 and proper handwashing  Occidental Mindoro Division: o IEC campaign o Daily Handwashing activities o Provision of Hygiene Kits o Coordination with LGU and DOH  Santiago City o Community Mapping for some schools for partnership o Conducted handwashing activities  NCR o IEC campaign o Distribution of Alcohol  Dumaguete City o IEC campaign  o IEC campaign  Urdaneta City o Provided health education and referral for sick learners  Tagbilaran City o Suspended synchronized flag ceremony o Distribution of face masks to those with cough and colds o Distribution of cleaning agents o Information drive  Danao o Orientation on handwashing, coughing etiquette, use of face masks  Nueva Vizcaya o IEC material Distribution  Misamis Occidental o Quarantine of personnel from Australia o IEC campaign  Meycauayan o Coordination with LGU o IEC campaign  El Salvador o Creation of task force o IEC Campaign o Distribution of Alcohol  Ormoc City o IEC Campaign, daily handwashing o Distribution of Alcohol  Malolos o Daily body temperature taking o IEC campaign o Orientation of response and preventive alert system  Pangasinan I o IEC campaign  Oroquieta o Distribution of soaps, masks o Daily body temperature checking o IEC campaign through lectures, posters, radio interview o Online monitoring of health status  Trece Martires o Health Inspection o Creation of task force  Calapan o IEC campaign  Batangas o Creation of inter-agency task force o IEC campaign  Lucena City o IEC campaign thru orientation, lectures, video presentation o Handwashing drills o Distribution of hygiene kits  Pasay City o IEC campaign thru orientation, lectures, video presentation o Handwashing drills  Surigao del sur o IEC campaign thru lectures, posters o Coordination with LGU  Mandaluyong o IEC campaign thru health talks, posters o Distribution of infrared thermometers  Saranggani o Created task force o IEC campaign  Davao Oriental o Task force activation o IEC campaign  Cagayan o IEC campaign  Imus o Task force creation o IEC campaign  Vigan o LGU Coordination o IEC campaign  Tabaco City o IEC Campaign  Bohol o Symposium on COVID-19  Malaybalay o One personnel with travel history from China quarantined o Health Check-up o IEC campaign  San Jose Del Monte City o IEC Campaign o Health Check-ups  Balanga City o IEC Campaign  Navotas o Risk Communication Management Lecture o IEC Campaign  Quirino Province o IEC Campaign  Camiguin o IEC Campaign o Coordination with LGU  Siquijor o IEC Campaign  BARMM o Orientation on COVID 2019 o Creation of Task Force

 Reiteration of DM Nos. 15 and 021, s. 2020 on the cancellation of activities and classes in DepEd platforms, ROs and SDOs:

- classes may also be suspended if two or more schools in one city or municipality have a confirmed case of COVID-19. SDSs can declare the suspension of classes in the affected schools and adjacent areas or, depending on the local situation, in the entire city or municipality 13 February 2020  DepEd trainings for Palarong Pambansa Suspended  DepEd Pangasinan Division II ensured that all classrooms be supplied with water, soap and alcohol and school activities are cancelled following DM 15 s. 2020  DepEd General Santos Division conducted lectures to students, teachers and canteen vendors on COVID19

 Consultations from different private schools via phone calls thru BLSS- SHD were noted Re: scheduled fieldtrips and JS proms. Action taken was; these private schools were advised and highly encouraged to adopt the precautionary measures contained in DepEd’s Memoranda pertaining to its response to the 2019 COVID and refer other vital information and recommendations to DM 051,s.2020 as reference however they have the autonomy to decide whether to continue or not their scheduled activities.  Issuance of DepEd Memorandum No. 021, 2020 “Second Set of Policy Directives of the DepEd Task Force NCoV.

 First set of Policy Directives of DepED task force n COV are sustained  Travel measures and restrictions remain in effect as stipulated in DM 15, s.2020. Mandatory 14 days self quarantine from the date of arrival in the Philippines for those who have personal travel to 12 February 2020 countries affected by COVID 2019.  Suspension of all National and regional activities involving learners and teachers remain in effect

 NCR SDO-Las Pinas from Feb 3-7, 2020 took the following actions as mitigating factors in fighting 2019 NCoV-ARD:  -coordinated a meeting with City Council and Department (40 City Councils, Department Heads, City Health Officers and DRRM Officers)  -Briefed LGU’s on the actions to be undertaken (10 NCov Task Force, DOH Representative and DepEd  -Oriented SH/EPS/PSDS’s (60 SH,EPS, PSDS’s and Health Personnel  Same Orientation were provided to teaching and non teaching personnel (85 Participants  Finalized IEC materials  Las Pinas SDO recommended to intensify the WINS Program in Schools.  Region IX SDO Dipolog City joins the conduct of activities that strengthen the promotion of cleanliness and health of every learners by ensuring the conduct handwashing drill three times a day and encouraged learners to bring tumblers for clean water access and conducted drinking water activity to keep learners hydrated. Posting of IEC materials were hanged in the strategic places.

 DepEd issued Memurandum No. 019, s.2020 Amendment to DepEd Memorandum No. 011,s 2020. (Creation of a Task Force for the Management of Department of Education Response to Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease.) DepEd Task Force nCoV is amended as follows:  Chairperson: Undersecretary for Administration  Vice Chairperson: Assistant Secretary for Admin. And Procurement  Members: Quick Response and Recovery Team members (School Health Division as lead)  DRRMS posted IEC materials on nCoV in DepEd Central Office  DepEd Region V conducted a Regional Press Conference on the Precautionary Measures of the 2019 Novel Corona Virus Acute Respiratory Disease  DepEd provided IEC in every district that focuses on the promotion of precautionary and safety measures and healthy behaviors. 10 – 11 February 2020  DepEd Compostela Valley conducted a Regional Office Orientation and Updates regarding nCoV during the Kapihan sa Waling-Waling  The following schools conducted Awareness and Prevention Campaign for nCoV-ARD:  Lilimasin National Highschool  Ano Elementary Schools  Bolingit National Highschool  Coliling National Highschool  Ignacio Centeno Elementary School  Nelintap Elementary School

 Region 8, Southern : Maasin Office of the City Mayor has declared the suspension of classes for kindergarten and elementary levels as a precautionary measure and in anticipation of any developments that may arise out of the weather disturbance brought about by the north east monsoon currently affecting .  DepEd NCR with its 16 Divisions continued to facilitate and initiate school health campaigns led by School Health Divisions Personnel and NGO Partners, and conduct coordination activities, such as: o Proper Hand Washing Practice o Preventive Measures o Distribution of Medical Disposable Face Mask (All Public 09 February 2020 Schools in Manila), Hand Sanitizer/Ethyl Alcohol & Infrared Forehead Thermometer (Public Schools in Pasig, Valenzuela, Caloocan & 106 Schools in Manila) through donations and partnership with LGUs and NGOs o Meetings of School Heads and SDO personnel on policy directives o Participation of SDOs in City DRRM Council Meetings  DepEd NCR rescheduled the NCR Palaro 2020 from February 23- 28 to March 15-20, 2020.  DepEd Region V conducted Regional Press Conference on the Precautionary Measures on the nCoV.  SDO Pangasinan 1 facilitated Schools Awareness and Information Campaign; Lecture-Based Discussion and Basic Actual Demo Orientation on proper handwashing and use of face mask.  DepEd Ilocos Norte to conduct Orientation Meeting of Nurses & DRRM District Coordinators to formulate a Contingency Plan and Preventive Measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the employees and learners in the division.  Division of Camiguin facilitated nCoV 2019 awareness raising to Division personnel, activated the SDRRMT and set up hand 08 February 2020 sanitizers to division offices and schools, and will continue to monitor schools and offices for prevention and response to the nCoV2019.  DRRMS and School Health Division attended the Emergency NDRRMC Full Council Meeting on the 2019-nCoV 07 February 2020  The Division of Caloocan City conducted room to room teaching on proper handwashing and how to prevent nCoV 2019.  Region V moved the Palarong Bicol as a precautionary measure against 2019-nCoV ARD. The Palarong Bicol will tentatively be scheduled for the last week of March 2020  DepEd Sorsogon held meeting with Division School Health Division on preparedness measures for 2019-nCoV ARD and to discuss the roles on DepEd's response to the outbreak 06 February 2020  DepEd Bukidnon conducted Digital Thermal Scanning of students

 DepEd IEC dissemination to schools and social media on 2019-nCoV ARD prevention  School orientation and discussions with learners about 2019-nCoV ARD preventive measures  DepEd Misamis Oriental activated its Task Force for the management of the Division Response to Novel Corona Virus ARD  DepEd Bukidnon conducted Digital Thermal Scanning of students  School Health Division staff attended the 2010-nCoV-ARD Response Cluster Meeting in NDRRMC  Tabaco City Division released a memo on response to 2019-nCoV ARD  SDO Puerto Princesa City disseminated IEC materials on the 2019- 05 February 2020 nCoV ARD, including preventive measures  SDO Sorsogon aired a radio program with a medical doctor to discuss the 2019-nCoV ARD  DepEd CAR-SDO Abra Division released a memo to conduct One Health Week Phase II in the schools and to Intensification of 2019- nCoV ARD Preventive Measures  Issued Department Memorandum No. 15, s 2020 or the nCoV policy directives 04 February 2020  Sec. Leonor M. Briones attended the Senate Hearing to discuss the Government's response to the 2019-nCoV  DepEd Misamis Oriental initiated orientation and information drive  Consulted the Department of Health on the DepEd guidelines for 03 February 2020 the prevention and control of the spread of the 2019-nCoV ARD  Convened the DepEd Quick Response and Recovery Team (QRRT) focusing on the 2019-nCoV ARD to agree on immediate actions needed to limit the spread of the virus in schools  DepEd SDO Manila conducted the following activities:  Lecture on NCOV by health personnel  Distribution of Infrared Thermometer by the LGU  Checking of Body Temperature of learners and teachers  Distribution of Surgical Face Mask to all learners by the LGU  Continuous implementation of Hand Washing in the schools  Issued Department of Education Memorandum No. 11 s, 2020 on the Creation of a Task Force to Manage DepEd Response to the 2019-nCoV ARD delegating the Secretary as Chairperson of the 02 February 2020 Policy Group and Assistant Secretary for Administration as Head of the Operations Group to be assisted by the Quick Response and Recovery Team members led by the School Health Division  Issued the Department of Education's Response on Health Problems due to Coronavirus and Re-Emergence of Polio in the Philippines (OUA Memo 08-0120-0598);  Attended the 2nd IATF Meeting for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases as an observer, where it was agreed to maximize school-based campaigns on the 2019-nCoV ARD;  DepEd Regional Offices (CAR, R4-B, R7, R8, R10, R11, R12, and R13) and Division Offices (Panabo City and Calapan City) issued Memorandum on measures to counter the spread of the disease;  DepEd Region XI launched Project SHIELD (Strategic Health 01 February 2020 Intervention to Emerging health threats through IEC [Information Education Campaign] for Learners and educators in the );  SDO Calapan City conducted a brief orientation for learners and discussed 2019-nCoV ARD during PTA assemblies, attended Emergency CDRRMC meeting, integrated discussions on 2019- nCoV ARD on lessons, and encouraged group handwashing activities in schools and frequent hand sanitation; and  DepEd Central Office and field offices continued to disseminate IEC materials on the 2019-nCoV ARD, including preventive measures prescribed by the DOH.

IV. Reported Needs and Recommendations

o Distribution of masks to learners and personnel with URTI and provision of hand soaps and sanitizers to offices and schools o Construction and repair of WASH areas in schools

V. Next Steps and Recommendations

DepEd shall:

 Continue to monitor and disseminate updates from DOH and WHO;  Continue to coordinate with regions and divisions on measures against the COVID-19; and  Continue to coordinate with the DepEd Quick Response and Recovery Team (QRRT) for the implementation of measures in response to the COVID-19.

Prepared by: BLSS-SHD