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ll\epublic of tbe .t)IJilippine~
11Bepartment of Qfbucation
REGION Vll -CENTRAL VISAYAS
DIVISION OF TALISAY CITY
Rizal St., Poblacion, City ofTalisay, Cebu

Office of the Schools Division

Superintendent
September 28, 2022

DIVISIONMEMORANDUM
No. 375 , s. 2022

DISSEMINATIONOF HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

To: Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Chiefs, CID/ SGOD
Education Program Supervisors/Coordinators
Public Schools District Supervisors
Public Elementary and Secondary School Heads/Principals
All Others Concerned

1. This Office disseminates Regional Memorandum No. 0811, S. 2022 entitled, "Health
and Safety Protocols in Light of the Covid-19 Pandemic".

2. Furthermore, also attached is DepEd Order No. 39 S. 2022 entitled, "Health and
Safety Protocols in Light of Covid-19 Pandemic", contents of which is self-explanatory
for the information and guidance of all concerned.

3. Immediate dissemination of this Memorandum is directed .

.
EVANGE~MINARIAS,Ph.D., CESO V
sctfo{,f DivisionSuperintendent(

Address: Rizal St., Poblacion, City ofTalisay, Cebu

Telephone Nos.: (032) 491 - 5593
Email Address: talisaycity.division@deped.gov.ph
 i\t4>ubhc of the lJl11l41µmrs
leeparttnent of <ebucation
RIGION VII· CfNTRAL VISAYAS

SEP 2 l ll
/REGIONALMEMORANDUM
NO. ~s,2022

HEAL TH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN LIGHT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

To Schools Division Superintendents

Legal Officers/ All Others Concerned

l. For the information and guidance of all concerned. attached is DepEd Order No. 39,
s. 2022 entitled, "Health and Safety Protocols in Light of the Covid-19 Pandemic".

2. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this Order is directed

a
SALUSTIANO T, JIMENEZ JD Ed.D CESO ~\
Director IV
Regional Director
"W

STJ/WEB/Jbm

Address: Doi\a M Gaisano St. Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City

Telephone Nos.: (032) 2311433, (032) 414-7399
Email Address: reg,on7@deped gov ph
 •• , 111bt "*......
llea,art•mt.01uation
19 S:P 2022
DPpRd O.RDER
No. 0 3 9 , s. 2022

BEAi.TB AlQ) SA.ITl'YPRO"l'OCOLS Df LIGHT OF TBB COVID-19 PA!IDSMIC

To Under secreraries
Asisistant Secretaries
Minister., Basic. Higher, and Technical Education. BARMM
Bureau and Service Directors
Directors of Servkr~. Centers. and Heads of Uniu..
Regional Directors
Schools Division Su})t'rintendents
Public and Private Elementary and Secondary School I [tads
Heads ALSCommunity Leaming Cent.en
Heads. State/Local Universities onrl Colleg-es
All Others Concerned

I, The Department of Education (DepEd} issues the enclosed Health uid Safety
Protocols in J...igJJt otthe COVID-19 Paiulemic .. including:
pro
a. an updared guidance for teaching and nenteaching personnel and
learners regarding COVI0-19 vaccination and testing in the Department:

b. minimum public health standards (MPHS), and other related health

protocols relative to their reporting for work or school beginning School
Year (SY) 2022-2023;

c. efforr.s to promote COVID· 1 CJ vaccination; and

d. h mdling atrendanoe records of persermel nffected by matters related to

COVI0-19.

2. Rqponal Directors may ~tnalcgize for the implementation and cpcrationalieation of

these guidelines in their respective ttgiona or the schools division offices (SOOsJin their
jurisdictians, proeided that such is within the provisions of this DepEd Order (DO).

3. In the interest of public health. aU public and private be.:iic education schools and
learning centers are duty-beund toe.~ due diligence and take precautionary measures
to minitniu t:XpOSUTt> to rfaks essociated ,-,ith COVJ0-19 and support go11ernmcnt efforts to
contain the spread of the vfru~. State/Local Uni\'ersities and Colli'-ges(SUCs/LUC~) off,.ring
bask education and private schools are highly encouraged to ,trlopt the health protocols m
this 00.

4. 'fhe provisions of th~ OSEC Memcmuuhun dated .Iune 28, 2022, titled Com:ema on
COVID-.19 Vaccination and Teetin& or Penoanel of the 1)eput:mmrt of ltducatku:l. and
Office Order No. OO·OSEC-2022-003 titled lllteriln Oal.a.lili• ot1 the ~ of
Llmited J'ace to J'ace Cluaea are repe.aJecl, while Item llo~ 52 of 00 034, s. 2022 r.itlcd
School Calendar and Acthities for tbe School Year ~~2«13 is amended. AU other
Ot~fi;d Orders, Memordllda, and other related issuances. rules, regulations, and provisions
that are in(onsisicot with these guidelines are repealed, rescinded, or modified accordingly.

5. This Order shall take effect immfdiately upon its issuance and publication on the
OepEct website and shall be registered with the University of the Philippines Law Center
Office of the National Administrati~e Register (UP LC-ONAR).

6. For more infermation, please contact the following offices:

a. On the MPHS and oth~ related health protocols, guidance on COVll)-1 <)
vaccination and testing, and efforts to promote COVID· 19 vaccination:
Bu.nta11of Lea.rnor Support Servb:ea..SC.bool B..ith Dlvlaion, through
email at. biss.shcka:eped.gov.pb or at telephone number (02) 8'132-9935

b. On handling the artenrlance records of persormel ctffcctt:d l>y matters

related to CO\"ID· 19: Bu.re.au <>( Bumat11ae.oa.rce and Orp.niatioiial
n.v.Sopmeot, through email &t bhrod.odcidt>ped.gov.ph or at telephone
number (02J 86~'3- 7237.

7. Immediate dissemination of and stricr compliance with this Order ~ directed.

N~~~ Vice President and Secretarv

End:
As stated

Reference:
DepEd Order No. (034, s, 2022)

To hr. indicated in the Perpetunl lndex

under the following subjects:

BUREAUS AND OFFICES

CLASSES
gMPLOYEES
LEARNERS
POLICY
PULES AND REGUl.ATIONS
SCHOOLS
TEACHERS
(Enclosure to DepEd Order No.OJ 9 , s, 2022)

HEALTH A1fD SAFBff PROTOCOLS llf LIGHT O:F Tim COVD>-19 PAlmJ;lflC

J. RATIONALE

I, Since the beginning of the COVI0-19 pandemic, the Department of ~du,·atiun

(~pEd) has released various issuances to .guid:e schools and offices on ensuring the
health, safety, and wen-being of pc-sonnet and learners. especially in the context of
the resumption of face-to-fa, e classes amirt the pandemic. The said issuances have
always been based on the guidance provided by health authorities and the. nauonal
government.

2. To date, the lat-est issuance which provides such guidance is .DepEd Order
No~ 34, •· 2022 titled Schoof Calendar and Adivitiesfor the School Yenr 2022-2023,
particularly Sectioa VL Preve-atioa of COVID-19 uut Otlau lllfeetio11aDweuea.

:l. Various issuances are available to schools. However, some of the provisions of
the said issuances are no longer applicable or have been updated based on latest
evidence or guidance from health authorities OT the national government. With this,
it is deemed necessary to provide the updated protocols and standards that should
be in place as schools implement face-to-face classes.

4. With regard to COVlD-19 testing and vaccination, DcpEd strictly implements

a ..no-dlacrimbaatio11" policy in terms of managing its personnel 011d learners,
regardless of their vaccination status.

5. This DcpEd Order supports the Implementation of face-to-face classes by

strengthening the provisions of DO 34, s, 2022 particularly on the prevention of
COVID·l9 and other infectious diseases, and addressing related concerns that
schools may have regarding the implementation of such provisions, including
cone ·ms on COVID-19 testing and vaccmation, and handling of attendance r cords
of personnel affected by matters relat~d to COVID-19.

ll. SCOPlt

6. This DepEd Order shall apply to all public elementary and secondary schools,
including community learning centers (Cl.Cs) nationwide, and their offices.
SUCs/LUCs ofTering basic education and private schools arc highly encouraged to
adopt this DO.

rn, POLtCY STATBMUT

7. DepEd issues these health and safety protocols to ensure the health, safety,
and well-being of Iearners and personnel in the implementation of in-person classes
amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

JV. GUIDAJICBOJI COVlD-19 VAOCllfATto• AJID TB8TllfG

8. All teaching and non-teaching personnel and learners, regardless ot

vaccination status. shall be allowed to attend in-person classes.
9. Unvaccinatcd teaching and non-teaching personnel and learners shall not be
required to undergo regular COVlD-19 testing.

10. DepRd offices and schools shall not be held liable if a teaching and non-
teaching personnel or learners should tum COVlD-19-positive.

1 1. DepEd continues to recognize vaccination as among the most effcctive

strategies for the prevention of COVlD-19 deaths. Schools shall coordinate with
health authorities from the local government to encourage and educate stakeholders
on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination especially among the families of
unvaccinated teaching and non-teaching personnel and learners and implement
mobile vaccinations for those who sign a written consent to be vaccinated.

a. School Health and Nutrition (SHN) personnel shall continue to

encourage teachers a.n.d the non-teaching personnel to have at least three
(3) doses of their COVIU -19 vaccination (two f 2J primary doses plus at
least one 11 J booster dose), with inclusion of parents. guardians, and
learners as applicable. SHN personnel shall document specific issues on
hesitancy that unvaccinated personnel and learners may have. The
Bureau of Leamer Support Services-Scbocl Health Division (OLSS-SHD)
shall coordinate with the DOH for the necessary capacity building activnics
for SHN personnel, including documentmg, reporting, and addressing
hesitancy. Hesitancy can also be monitored by promoting the DOH KIRA
Chat bot (m.me/Offic-ialDOHgov). which serves as an accessible onlinc rool
for identifying common questions and concerns that people have relating
to the vaccines. Promotional mate-rials to encourage utilization of KIRA
chatbot are available here (bit.Jy /KIRAPromos).

b. Schools are encouraged to request the support of Paren ts and Teachers

Associations (Pf As) as partners in education and health preservation: that
they be involved in conducting infonnation sessions and briefings on
COVID- 19 vaccination, or emphasizing its benefits to increase the wall of
immunity or learners and the community.

c. Schools are enjoined to take active participation in the DOH Pinasl.akas

Campaign, a demand generation campaign for COVTD-19 vaccination.
whieh adopts a settings-based approach. Campaign background and
materials may be accessed at hap~: I /bit.ly/Pin.:isI..akasSBCC and
hltp://hi1.lylf'inc1sLa.ka A.c;;sets. ttSpeetivcly.

d. Vaccine cards/records shall not be used as a mandatory requirement

for educational, employment, and other similar government transaction
purposes.

12. All regional offices are reminded to ensure the regular reporting of the
vaccination status of DcpEd personnel to BLSS-SHD as practiced, pending the
updated guidance from the Office of the Undersecretary for Governance and Field
Operations (OUGFO) on the reporting template and schedule. The OUGFO shall
ensure proper housekeeping and regular reporting of the said data. Data on the
vaccination of learners shall continue to be part of the Learners' Information System
(LIS). SHN personnel shall be given access to such data to ensure alignment of
initiatives to promote vaccination and address hesitancy.
V. MIJJIIIUII PUBLIC KBALTB STAll'DARDS (IIPBS) AJl1> OTHER RELATED
H&ALTH PROTOCOLS

13. While all personnel and learners will now freely interact with each other in
shared spaces in the school setting regardless of their vaccination status, all
concerned sh.all ensure observance of the MPHS. as provided for in 00 ~34, s. 2022,
and as reiterated and further expounded in this section.

14. Materials for the promotion of the MPHSand related health protocols as pan of
the BIDA KID C8mpe:ip may be accessed at h t.Jv/BID.I\KidCommsPa< kage ,

15. Schools shall ensure availability of hand.washing facilities with soap and conduct
of group handwashing activities while obsen,ing MPHS. in line with DepEd 01'der !lo.
10, a. 2016 titled Policy and Guitklin.es for the Comprehen:rive \1-ater, Sanitation and
Hygiene in Schools {WinS/ Progmm and DepZtt MenaoumAum •o. 194, a.. 2018 titled
Implementing Guidelines to DepEd Order No JO. s. 2016. Per DM 194. s. 2018, a group
handwashing facility should have at least ten (10) water outlets in elementary l~·PJ, and
four (4) WatP.r outlets in the secondary level

J 6. Schools shall follow the latest guidelines on cleaning and disinfection as issued
by thr. OOH tm.d/or the WHO, and ensure that only disinftttants that are approved bv
the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shall he used.

17. The Philippine COVI0-19 Living Recommendatiens recommends against the use
of footbatha, and ioru.zing air purifier, misting tents or disinfection chambers for
preventing and controlling COVl.D-19 transmission. while it recommends against the use
or UV lamps or other UV devices in any place outside of a controlled clinic or hospital
set ting to prevent and control COVID-19 transmission.

l 8. Wearing of face masks shall be mandatory f-or all personnel, learners, and visitors
inside classrooms. laboratories and other school rooms, but shell be voluntary in open
spaces, or non-crowded outdoor areas wiih good ventilarion, as well as in playing spons
and other physical activities. Open spaces and outdoor areas shall mean areas or spaces
with or without roofing.

a The school shall ensure availability of face masks especially for learners
who may come to school not wearing one, The school may seek the assistance
of the local government as needed to ensure ample and regular supplv oJ face
masks. It is reiterated that hcaJth and sanitation expenses are among those
"clarified a.s allowed to be charged against the Use of the Special Education
Funds (SEF}.'" per I)("pEd-Oepanment of Budget and Management (DBMj~
Department of Interior and Local Gosernment fDTLG) Joint Circular No 02, s.
2020 entitled Addendum No. 2 [Clarification to DepEd-DBM-DILGJoint Circular
No. I, s, 2017 dated Ja,uwry 19, 20217, entitled, •Rf-vised Guidelines on tltt>
Use of tl'le Special Education Fund:J (SEFJ7.

b. A face hidd may he used in lieu of a face mask for specific situation:-.
where removal of face mask is warranted, such as activities requiring the
entire face of an individual tn be visible. During these specific activities, safe
distance, adequate ventilation, and proper hygiene shall be strictly ~sured at
an times.
Ventilation

19. All schools and offices ah.all ensure adequate ventilatJon in enclosed and shared
spaces.

ct.Adequate ventilation may be achieved through natural ventilation such as

opening of windows and doors, ~~bile ensuring that nearby spaces of open
windows are free from toxic gases and pollutants.

h. Other options to increaser: ventilation in enclosed spaces include using

exhaust fans and pl.acing fans near windows.

i. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), using a fan

in an enclosed space can increase the spread of the virus that causes
COVID-19. This is why it is important to open windows and doors
whenever using a fan to replace indoor air withour outdoor air.

ri, Ventilation fans (i.e .• Iloor, table lop, pedestal fans) should he
placed where air fiow from these fans. shall not be from person to
person.

ru. The fan can be placed in front of an open window 10 increase air
flaw and push indoor air outside.

c. Proper ventilation in communal re.<W'OOUls must not be overlooked. Jf

installed, exhaust fans in these areas, must be operational and at full capacity
whenever the space is occupied. All users must remember to dose the lids of
toilet bowls before Rushing. The acts of flushing contribute to dispersion of
contaminants inside the restrooms.

20. All personnel, learners, and visitors shall observe physical distancing whenever
possible.

21. Canteens can operate at ful1 operational capacity. Eating should be done with
distancing whenever possible.

22. Scho()ls shall ensure continuous implementation of school-based routine

vaccination and other medical, dental and nursing services. and campaigns on healthy
schools like smoke-free and vape-free environments, an.ti-buJlying practfrt-S, nutrition,
oral health, repreductive health, substance use prevention, mental health, and water,
sanitation and hygiene), in line with existing initiatives such as Optan l<a/usuga11 so
l)epBa. and the Healthy Learning Institutions (HU} Framework.

23. &hoot~ shall follow the latest protocois on identifying dose contacts, isolation,
quarantine, and treatment as implemented by local epidemiol<•ID' and surveillance units
(LESU&). As such, unless everyone- in the o!Iice or the school has been advised by r.he
LESU to undergo quarantine or isolarien, there sh.all be no need for school or office
closure.
COVID-19 Re.pow ua4 Maaepmeat

24. All personnel and learners shall be regularly reminded to strictly monitor
themselves for possible symprom.s ofCOVJD-19 before reporting to work or school. Those
with flu-like symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, will not be allowed to report
onsite but will be advised to stay at home, mtch to distance learning {for learn ers), or
avail of their sick leave credits [for personnel), as may be applicable. Similarly, visitors
who show C0\10-19 symptoms shall be advised to transact with the office or the :..<'110111
vir ually or come back another time when they arc no longer symptomatir..

25. Schools shall strengthen community monitoring measures and referral systems
with LGUs and health centers and encourage participation and cooperation of parents
and communities for safe transportation and home care isolation of learners v. hen sick.
Offices and schools are no longer required to have a dedicated Isolation room fu1
symptomatic learners of personnel, but shall ensure that personnel and learners who
need to be transported home or to local health facilitiee due to COVID- J 9 symptoms stay
or wait in a safe open span: or holding area in the office or the school. The spacej'area
shall be disinfected before and after use through wiping (not spraying or misting] of
surfaces with FDA-approvNi disinfectants.

26. Scbool-cpec:ific aaneUlance plw llhaU 1- eetehJkhecl.

a. Schools shall identify and report case clusters and other unusual health
events to the LE...c:;Us.

h. Schools shall coordinate closelv with LESUs for cas and duster
investigation and confirmatory testing and managemem ns needed,

c. Schools shall monitor absences to determine if higher than usually

recorded and investigate if the cause of absences is attributed 10 a similar
event.

VI. RUDLJJIG ATTBIIDAJrCS RECORDS or PZR80JIIOCL AJ'PECTED BY MATTERS

RB.LATED TO COVJD.19

27. Attendance records of personnel who will not be able to report to work onsirc
due to reasons related to COVID-19 [e.g., failing to report to work on-site for not
complying with the regular COVID-19 lest requirement: undergoing required
isolation, or treatment; availing of vaccination; getting treated for Adverse Events
Following Immunization (AEFII)shall be handled in accordance to latest issuances.
To date, these include CSC issuances such as MC No. 07, s. 2022; CSC MC No. 02,
s. 2022 titled Amendment to the Revised. Interim Guidelines on the Use of Lea1·e
Credits/or AbsenC'E's Due to Quarantine and/or Treatment o{COVJD-19; and CSC MC
No. 16, s. 2021 titled Interim Guidelines on Absences of Go1>e.mment Offirinls arid
Employees Due to COVll)..19 Vaccination and/ or Aduerse Events Followir,y
Immunization (AEFIJ of COVID· 19 1/accine.

28. AU personnel shall follow the latest isolation protocols. including the prescribed
period, as set by the latest national guidelines, and as implemented by their respective
local epidemiology and surveillance units {LESUs).

29. Excused absence shall be applied personnel who are required to undergo
isolation, pursuant to CSC MC No. 02, s, 2022. Personnel who are considered to be under
"excused absence" are not required 10 report for work. but are entitled to payment of
salary. Their absence shall not be deducted to their accrued leave/service credits.
30. Work-from-Home arrangement shall apply to personnel who art: required to
undergo isolation due to exposure but arc asymptomatic and/or are able to perform their
work assignments at home. EJl(C'Used absence shall apply to personnel who are in
isolation due to exposure to COVlD-19 but are not ahk? to perform their work
assignments at home, provided that 1hey submit a certification issued bv their respective
Head:s of Offices, atteched to their Leave forms,

31. For the purpose of claiming COVJ0-19 isolation and leave benefits, a medical
certification issued by a certified attending physician/Barangay Health Emergency
Response Teams (BHERT)/-0ffi.rt• or school medical physician ma • suffice provided lt
should include the following minimum tnformation: name of patient, severiry of
symptoms, diagnosis as probable or confirmed COVJ0-19, and date of end of isolation
period. Additional documents required as provided in CSC MC lfo. 02.,. a. 2022 such as
but not limited to:
a, Copy of COVID- l9 test result
b. Copy of Barangay /Office Clinic Contact 'l'radng Form
c, Approved Travel Authority/Locator Slip
d. Certificate of Appearance
e. Laboratory results and other med.teal supporting documents

32. Diagnostic. reports and test results shall come from accredited laboratory or
testing centers and shall be subject to validation for authenticity as may be needed .
•~bseo<'CS witbou1 the required medical certification shall be deducted to employees'
accrued leave credits/service credits or salary, if applicable.

33. For absences from work during the day of COVJD-19 vaccinauon (first and second
dose, including booster shots) and absences due ID the adverse effeets following
irnmunizatiee, shall be considered as "excused absence," subject to the requirements
and provisions of CSC MC No. 16, s. 2021.

34. For Contract of Service (COS) and Job Orders (.JOs), the provisions under the
Commission on Audit {COA)~DBMJoint Circular No. 01 dated J9 March 2020, rilled
Interim GuidPlinu.s Goueming ContTact of Seroire {COS}and Job Orders POJ Worken; in the
Government for the Duration of the State of Calamity and Com mumty Ouaruatine Due to
COVI~J9, specifically item no. 3.4 of which states that •cos and .JOworkers who will
be required to work from f1D111.e shall be paid their corresponding salaries/ w<i~s tlunng
community quarw,tine period" shall be applim.

35. Furthermore, following the scope and coverage of DO No. l J. s, 2020, and to
promote the welfare and well-being of all DepEd personnel, the application ofCOVID· 19
leave benefits shall be extended to all COS and JOs in all DepEd offices, schools. and
CLCs, In lieu of the required Ieave fonn (CSC Form No. 06 s. 2020), COS and JOs sh.cul
attach the required documentary requirements/medical certificauon/vaccination card to
their duly signed Daily Time Records (DTRs), as supporting documents for the processing
of their salaries.

VD. IIOIUTOlUBO AID) ZVALUATfO•

36. BLSS shall provide regular updates as- needed and with the Regional ()ffi~ (ROs)
and 5006.. monitor the compliance of schools with the sections and provisions of this
DcpEd Order pertaining to the MPHS and other related health protocols, guidance on
COVID,- 19 vaccination and testing, and efforts to promote covid-19 vaccination. For this
purpose. BLSS shall coordinate with other offices eoecemed, such as the Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Servi~s (DRRMSJ,per DO 34. s. 2022.
37. The Bureau of Human Resource and Otpnizational Development (BHROD) shall
provide regular updates as needed and man.itor the compliance of offices and schools
with the sections and provisions of this DepEd Order pertaining to handling the
attendance. records of personnel affected by matters related to COVlD-19.

38. SOOs, through the counterpart units/sections/personnelot the I.U....'3-.~-SHD and

BHROD, sh.all provide technical assistance to schools and monitor their compliance with
the provisions of this OepEd Order relevant to the functions of the said
units/Stt.r.ions/personotl, and through the Regional Oftices ·(ROs), submit reports to the
BI.$$ and 8HROO.

Vll1. ZJ'TECTIVITY

39. The provisions of OSEC Memorandum dated Jun(* 28, 2022 titled Concerns
on COVII).. 19 vaccination and testing ofpersonnel of the Department of Edu.rotion; and
Office Order No. OO-OSEC-2022 003 titled Interim Guidelines on me Expansion of
Limited Face-to-Face Classes are repealed. All other DepEd Orders, Memoranda. and
other related Issuences, rules, regulations. and provisions wbkb al'<" incensistent with
these guidelines are repealed, rescinded, or modified accordingly.

40. This DepEd Order shall take -effttt immedia~ly upon issuance and publicatron
on the DepEd website and shall be registered with the Office of the Nat ion al
Administrative Registtt {ONAR).