Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Mitigation of the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

March 11, 2020

CHED ADVISORY NO. 002-20

GUIDELINES FOR THE PREVENTION, CONTROL AND MITIGATION OF THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIs)

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issues the following update and addendum to our Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Mitigation of the Spread of the Corona Virus disease in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) dated Feb. 11, 2020 (CHED COVID-19 Advisory No. 1) following recent developments and in response to the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, through Proclamation No. 922, series of 2020 which directs all government agencies to render assistance and cooperation and to mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate responses and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the COVID-19 threat.

This advisory should be read in conjunction with our Covid-19 Advisory #1 and with information from official sources via the following links:

Department of Health (DOH):

https://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/health-update/DC2020-0042-Reiteration-of-DM2020-0055-Interim-Guidelines-on-2019-nCOV-ARD-Response-in-Schools-Higher-Education-Institutions.pdf

World Health Organization (WHO):

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

EMERGENCY PLAN

All HEIs are encouraged to establish protocols based on the WHO guidelines for screening and response. HEIs should be prepared for the possibility of a community-level transmission and should have established protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19. The protocols should include the following:

• Creating procedures for students, faculty, staff and administrators who are showing COVID-19 symptoms. These procedures should supplement existing medical emergency measures in the HEI;

• Ensuring these procedures are regularly updated as situations in the HEI may change. It is critical to inform the community of any changes in the procedure, including any updates or new directives from the DOH;

• Performing environmental cleaning and disinfection procedures for all buildings with emphasis on frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, desktops or countertops, etc.);

• Preparing HEI health clinics for immediate triage and isolation of patients potentially infected with COVID-19.

CLASS SUSPENSIONS IN ALL LEVELS IN METRO MANILA

Following the announcement of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on the suspension of classes in all levels in Metro Manila until 14 March 2020, on the job trainings (OJTs), internships, and/or practicum in the National Capital Region (NCR) are also suspended. HEIs are advised to coordinate with their partner Host Training Establishment (HTE) for any adjustment of training hours and/or to consider alternative modalities for the OJT, internships, and practicum of affected students.

STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF AND HEI ADMINISTRATORS ABROAD

Those currently situated in countries with reported and confirmed cases of COVID-19 are advised to contact the nearest Philippine Embassy and/or Consulate to confirm their status and/or health conditions. HEIs are directed to report the status of their students, faculty, staff and HEI administrators to the International Affairs Staff (IAS) through [email protected].

GUIDANCE FOR HEIs WITH IDENTIFIED CASES OF COVID-19 IN THEIR COMMUNITY

HEIs should establish plans and procedures should a case of COVID-19 transmission be identified. This should be done in collaboration with their DOH Regional Office.

HEIs should immediately coordinate with the DOH regional office if the DOH regional office or local government office report cases of COVID-19 in the City or municipality.

HEI administrators should work in close collaboration with the DOH regional office in determining the need for class suspensions, postponement or cancellation of any school event and activity and other steps required to prevent further transmission.

All plans and decisions by the HEIs should be focused on ensuring the safety and health of all students, faculty, staff and administrators.

HEIs are advised to regularly inform and update the CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO) in their area on activities and developments in their campuses to ensure that the CHEDRO and CHED Central Office can give any necessary support as needed.

(SGD.) J. PROSPERO E. DE VERA III, DPAChairman