Several private colleges in Negros Occidental, including capital Bacolod City, have switched to online classes amid the increasing cases of influenza among learners.
The St. Scholastica’s Academy in Bacolod had shifted to conducting classes online at all levels from September 25 to 29 “due to increasing cases of respiratory infections.”
The Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod conducted online classes for pre-school, grade school, junior, and senior high school students “in response to unpredictable weather conditions and the reported increase in flu-related symptoms.”
The management has also advised those who are sick to stay home, and mandated the wearing of face masks while on campus.
“Students and employees should submit online daily self-monitoring using the Google form at least one hour prior to entry to the campus,” the management said.
Likewise, the STI-West Negros University requires wearing of face masks inside its premises starting September 28.
The Negros Occidental High School also required students and staff to wear face masks after the school management noted an increase in flu cases in some learners.
On Tuesday, October 2, the Southland College in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City announced a transition to online learning in pre-school, elementary, and junior high school until yesterday to curb the spread of infection.
In a circular, the school’s crisis management committee said the “decision has been made to limit the possible spread of infection across our campus and ensure everyone’s welfare.”
Southland College first implemented the shift to online classes from September 27 to 29.
The Efiginio Enrica Lizares Memorial School in Talisay City has also required their students to wear face masks, especially those who exhibit flu symptoms, such as fever, cough and sore throat.
Earlier, Ian Arnold Arnaiz, public information officer of the Department of Education-Division of Negros Occidental, said the face mask policy was recommended by their medical team as a preventive measure to protect students and teachers from communicable diseases while attending classes.
Arnaiz said students who don’t feel well are immediately sent home so that they can’t infect others inside the campus.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the schools have the discretion to require students to wear face masks.
Lacson also encouraged residents to continue using face masks, particularly in enclosed spaces and inside public transportation.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu viruses mainly spread through droplets when a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks.
The time from exposure and infection with flu to when symptoms begin is about two days, but can range from about one to four days./ With reports from PNA / WDJ