University of the Philippines Diliman: Classes open Sept 5, every department determines its capability for F2F, blended, online. Reason: Pandemic, each household potentially has an immunocompromised/ elderly/ with comorbidity member who might die if infected. (And because it is a novel virus, the long-term effect of repeated infection or a serious infection has not been determined). Safety protocols include: Required insurance for all, Certificate of Authority to be applied for with the University, which would grant it if the necessary classroom retrofitting has been accomplished (opening up of windows, installing electric fans, exhaust, air disinfection and filter system), only 10 students per classroom allowed, physical distancing, vax mandates for all, mask mandates at all times, 7-day isolation required if one class member tests positive, etc.
Mga mam-ser: We are not going back to pre-pandemic po (pre-pandemic behavior is what led to the pandemic) : We will do better, and smoothly transition to post-pandemic, always keeping an eye on how many are getting hospitalized, etc. Marami pong salamat.
marichulambino.com 