A hundred public schools in lower-risk areas are holding classes in person for a two-month pilot run, with the reopening of more dependent on vaccination rates and a sustained decline in Covid-19 cases. The Philippines, which had imposed some of the world's longest lockdowns, is among the last countries to reopen schools, in stark contrast to many western countries. Authorities have reduced class sizes by half and allowed only vaccinated teachers and school personnel to interact with students. Photos shared on social media showed students wearing masks and inside classrooms with chairs and tables separated by plastic sheets, while hand-washing stations were installed. The United Nations children's agency UNICEF has backed the Philippines' phased, voluntary and safe reopening of schools, as it has warned the "learning crisis could turn into a learning catastrophe".

Source: The Standard November 16, 2021 03:49 UTC