ILOILO City – Nine students of Estancia National High School in Estancia, Iloilo tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Health authorities of the town subjected one section of Grade 8 learners to rapid antigen test (RAT) on Thursday, June 8. The same section was earlier quarantined after students were exposed to a classmate who tested positive for the disease.
Seven of the close contacts, however, manifested symptoms, including cough and runny nose but had no fever before their exposure to the index case.
“Out of the 42 students that were swabbed, nine were positive in the rapid antigen test. They were placed in a quarantine facility at the LGU (local government unit). Others were brought home and monitored for any onset of any signs and symptoms of COVID,” said Iloilo Provincial Health Office head Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon in an interview on Friday.
Leonil Salvilla, spokesperson of the Schools Division Office of Iloilo, said in-person classes were immediately suspended and the school shifted to alternative delivery mode of learning from June 7 to 9.
“It is already automatic. Every time we have suspension of in-person classes, school heads and teachers have been instructed to be always ready to implement the alternative delivery mode,” he said, adding that they have ready modules and other learning materials that they can use.
He was also hoping that in-person classes for all grade levels would resume on Monday, June 12.
Salvilla reminded schools to continue observing health and safety protocols based on guidelines released during the opening of the school year 2022-2023, including the wearing of facemasks, even if it is voluntary.
Those with signs and symptoms are also advised to immediately isolate and should no longer report to school.
“Whether it’s COVID or not, we have to ensure the safety of our students and our school personnel,” he said. (PNA)/PN
