Assumption suspends classes
Classes in Assumption Iloilo was suspended yesterday with the school ordered to resume classes on July 6th.
This, as the City Mayor, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed positive results on one of the high school students tested for Influenza A(H1N1).
With “breaking news” flashed all over local media thereafter, a traffic jam ensued as anxious parents and guardians came in droves to pick up the students.
“Dear Parents/Guardians,” the Assumption Iloilo letter obtained by The News Today (TNT) went. “As per recommendation of the Department of Health, the Mayor's Office and the Department of Education, all classes are suspended from today until July 3rd as a preventive move after one of our students was confirmed to be a positive case of A(H1N1). Classes will resume on Monday, July 6th 2009. The DOH strongly asks parents to keep their children at home for self-quarantine during these 10 days. Learners will be asked to use this time gainfully in self-study, doing work/assignments they are expected to have accomplished by the time they return to school on July 6th.”
The letter which was part of the protocol set by the DOH in handling cases of A(H1N1) in schools and communities was signed by Sister Mary Fideles Estrada, R.A., chairperson of the Basic Education Department.
First to leave school premises were youngsters mostly in elementary level yet by 3 p.m., the school campus was virtually cleared. Those seen milling around and waiting for rides appeared relaxed with no tension nor panic felt.
Exactly the message too of Dr. Glen Alonsabe of the DOH.
“Don't panic because panic will not help,” he said when reached by Bombo Radyo Iloilo. “And we make this reminder again to follow our general public advisory – practice proper hygiene and seek early consultation.”
Meantime, contact tracing continues today on all dormmates of the affected student as Assumption Iloilo likewise implement in-house precautionary measures.