DepEd-7 prepared to implement blended learning if Mpox cases worsen

Local

THE Department of Education-Central Visayas (DepEd 7) is prepared to shift to blended learning in schools should Mpox cases reach alarming levels.

This as the Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7) raised the region’s surveillance level due to confirmed infections.

DepEd 7 Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez said the department is ready to activate alternative learning modalities, such as modular and online classes, based on the protocols it established during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Schools have been directed to ensure safety protocols are in place ahead of the class opening on June 16, including the monitoring and reporting of students showing symptoms.

Jimenez emphasized that parents must immediately inform school officials of any suspected symptoms among their children.

He added that guidance on mpox precautions will be included in parent orientation sessions.

Learning materials have also been pre-distributed to ensure continuity in case students are required to stay home.

“Automatic, it will shift to blended, online, or modular,” Jimenez said.

Currently, there are no reported Mpox cases among students in the region, but DepEd 7 is maintaining a proactive stance in coordination with DOH 7.

DOH 7 confirmed six Mpox cases in Central Visayas since January, three in Cebu City, and one each in Mandaue, Talisay, and Lapu-Lapu.

Five of the patients have recovered, while one fatality was recorded in Talisay City.

Health officials clarified that the death was due to complications from existing health conditions and not directly caused by Mpox.

DOH 7 has placed the region under heightened alert and is intensifying its monitoring efforts.

The agency reminded the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals and to observe hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, respiratory etiquette, and proper ventilation indoors.

The department reiterated the importance of relying only on verified health information and called on the public to avoid stigma and discrimination, stressing that Mpox can affect anyone.

Health authorities encouraged those experiencing symptoms such as rash, fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes to visit the nearest health facility or contact the Regional Emergency Operations Center.(MyTVCebu)