DepEd School Contingency Plan Manual for COVID-19 Resurgences

Purpose of the Manual

This manual shall serve as a guide for schools in crafting and activating their contingency plan to
minimize the impact of a COVID-19 resurgence on the school community. This shall ensure continuity of
learning in the event that a member of the school community becomes a close contact, suspect, probable,
or confirmed COVID-19 case or if a school lockdown is needed due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases
within or outside the school. . The manual contains case scenarios that may affect school operations, and
the necessary response of each stakeholder to Prevent, Detect, Isolate, and Treat COVID-19. It also
contains strategies to reintegrate school operations to ensure the safe resumption of face-to-face classes.
The response and strategies in this manual are the minimum requirements for each school but may be
enhanced to be culturally and geographically responsive to the needs of the community.

It is recommended to review and update the contingency plan regularly, and as the need arises, according
to the most recent risks associated with COVID-19 and the latest guidelines from the Department of
Health (DOH).

Note: All the contents of the manual were designed to respond to the complex and rapidly changing
COVID-19 situation in the school setting. However, this may be used as a basis to craft contingency plans
to respond to health-related crises, if in case a similar scenario occurs in the future.

General Guidelines for Initial Response

In the event that an individual in the school shows symptoms, becomes a close contact of a confirmed
case, or tests positive for COVID-19, it is critical to have a timely initial response to ensure little to no
spread of the virus among other members of the school community. There are 3C’s that stakeholders must
remember in responding to any school situation related to COVID-19.

1. Coordinate Tasks

Other members of the school community may feel worried and become uneasy if any situation related to
COVID-19 arises in the school. As a means of preparation, the school head must clearly identify the role
of each teaching and non-teaching personnel, and provide the necessary training for their actions to be
well-coordinated. The following are the tasks for Response that must be delegated by the school head:

a. Maintaining safety and health protocols, and order in the classrooms

b. Engaging the parent/guardian on the home-school arrangement, including the designated time
of pick-up of their children, if a need arises

c. Coordinating with local health authorities

d. Preparing the heeded resources (e.g. alcohol, face mask, face shield, etc.) to prevent the
transmission of COVlb-19 ‘

2. Collect Information
To assist health authorities and the local government unit in contact tracing, the immediate responding
health personnel or designated clinic teacher must collect the following information of the individual who
shows symptoms or is reported to be: a close contact of a confirmed case:

a. Who: name of individual gender, age, grade level or occupation, the section included in or handling

b. When: date, if in school (i) time of entry to school, (ii) time of isolation in the clinic if at home (i) time
of report

c. Where: school name, school address, the home address of the individual (if at home during the time of
the report)

d. What: symptoms experienced by the individual (if any)

e. How: details on where or how the individual was infected, or who is the confirmed case to whom the
individual became a close Contact

3. Contact authorities, other school personnel and families

All concerned stakeholders must be well informed to avoid the possible transmission of the virus, and to
guide the school community in the necessary actions in case there will be a need to transition to a distance
learning modality.

a. Contact the identified health authority (e.g. barangay health station, rural health unit) to cooperate
regarding the appropriate measures such as tracing and quarantine, or referral to a hospital if needed.

b. Contact other school personnel (from the different set of classes per week) in case there will be a need
to shift to a distance learning modality. A teacher must also be informed and guided if he/she shall be a
substitute teacher in case a fellow teacher becomes unable to physically report to school for a long period
due to being infected with COVID-19 or other acceptable reasons.

c. Contact the family of the individual who showed symptoms or identified to be a close contact of a
confirmed case of COVID-19. The family must also be informed regarding the actions that will be
undertaken by the school, as well as the protocols that must be observed at home as advised by health
authorities.

d. Contact the families of individuals from the same class as the person who showed symptoms of
COVID-19 and inform them of the protocols that must be observed, as well as the possible shift to
distance learning modality.

e. Contact families from other classes from the set of classes in the same week as the person who showed
symptoms of COVID-19, as well as those from the set of classes in the other week to inform them of the
current school situation.

Specific Scenarios

The scenarios specify those that may affect the school setting. Recognizing the shared responsibility of
each stakeholder in preventing the transmission of the virus, the actions that must be undertaken by the
school to coordinate with each stakeholder are listed in each scenario.

A household member of a learner or school personnel shows symptoms of COVID-19 but has not been
Scenario 1
tested. The learner or personnel is not showing symptoms of COVID-19.

A household member of a learner or school personnel is a confirmed case of COVID-19. The learner or
Scenario 2
personnel is not showing symptoms of COVID-19.

A learner or school personnel is identified to be in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
Scenario 3
outside of their household. The learner or personnel is not showing symptoms of COVID-19.

A learner or school personnel shows symptoms of COVID-19 but is not known to be in close contact
Scenario 4
with a confirmed case.

A learner or school personnel shows symptoms of COVID-19 and is in close contact with a confirmed
Scenario 5
case.

A learner or school personnel who has symptoms tests negative for COVID-19 and is not known to be in
Scenario 6
close contact with a confirmed case.

A learner or school personnel who has symptoms tests negative for COVID-19 but is known to be in
Scenario 7
close contact with a confirmed case.

Scenario 8 A learner or school personnel tests positive for COVID-19.

 There are confirmed cases of COVID-19 outside the school. There are no known close contacts in the
Scenario 9
school. A granular lockdown in the barangay was announced by the LGU.

Scenario There is a high resurgence of COVID-19 in an adjacent barangay. The affected barangay is known to be
10 frequented by members of the barangay where the school is located.

There is a resurgence of COVID-19 in multiple barangays in the municipality where the school is
Scenario located, and there is a change in the risk classification of the municipality. The barangay where the
11 school is located is not adjacent to the barangays with COVID-19 resurgence. There are no known cases
in the specific barangay of the school.

Scenario 1. A household member of a learner or school personnel shows symptoms of

COVID-19 but has not beeh tested. The learner or personnel is not showing symptoms of
COVID-19.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

Prior to the implementation of face-to-face classes, parents/guardians of learners,

as well as school personnel, shall be oriented to immediately inform the school if
any of their household members experience COVID-19 symptoms. They shall
then be responsible for informing their household members regarding the
Household member showing
protocol.
symptoms
If a household member of a learner/personnel showing symptoms of COVID-19
informs the school regarding their condition and has not yet been tested, the
school may advise him/her to seek assistance from BHERT.
 Since the learner of personnel may be considered a close contact, the school shall
advise the learner or the concerned personnel to remain/return home and to self-
monitor at home until the results of the available COVID-19 test have been
released.

Learner or personnel in the same If the identified close contact is a learner, provide appropriate support for a
household temporary shift to distance learning modality while waiting for the COVID-19
test result.

If the identified close contact is a teacher, identify the substitute teacher who will
temporarily conduct distance learning among the learners that the teacher is
handling, while waiting for the COVID-19 test result.

Provided that there is no confirmed case or close contact in the school, the school
shall still allow other learners and personnel to attend face-to-face classes.
Learners or personnel in the same
class and week as the exposed If the identified close contact is a teacher, only the class that the teacher is
person handling will be temporarily shifted back to distance learning until the teacher is
allowed to return to school. The school shall inform parents/guardians of learners
in the class regarding the situation and the temporary shift in learning modality.

If the close contact in the school is a learner, the school shall engage other
household members regarding the home-school arrangement, including the time
of pick-up of the learner (if in school at the time the information was
communicated).
Other household members
Note: They shall be informed by the LGU to self-monitor at home until the
results of the available COVID-19 test have been released. The school is not
required to give advice to other household members.

If the household member tests

positive and the exposed learner or
personnel does not show
symptoms, refer to Scenario 2.

If the household member tests

negative and the exposed learners
or personnel shows symptoms,
refer to Scenario 4.

If the household member tests

positive and the exposed learner or
personnel shows symptoms, refer
to Scenario 5.
\Scenario 2. A household member of a learner or school personnel is a confirmed case of
COVID-19, The ieamer or personnel is not showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

Prior to the implementation of face-to-face classes, parents/guardians of

learners, as well as school personnel, shall be oriented to immediately inform
Household member showing
the school if any of their household members experience COVID-19 symptoms.
symptoms
They shall then be responsible for informing their household members regarding
the protocol.

Exposed learner or personnel Collect the necessary information regarding close contact.

Record the actions the school has undertaken (for reference to the contact
tracing team of the LGU).

Advise the learner or personnel to return/remain at home.

Advise the asymptomatic close contact of the suspect, probable, or confirmed

cases to immediately quarantine and complete it for 14 days, regardless if
testing has not been done, or resulted negative.

Ensure that the learner or personnel has completed the fourteen (14)-day
quarantine, regardless of negative test result and vaccination status, before
allowing him/her to return to school.

If the identified close contact is a learner, provide appropriate support for a shift
to distance learning modality for fourteen (14) days. This may include
psychosocial support if needed.

If the identified close contact is a teacher, identify the substitute teacher who
 will conduct distance learning among the learners that the teacher is handling.
The school may provide psychosocial support to the affected teacher if needed.

Since there is a close contact but no confirmed case in the school, the school
shall allow them to attend face-to-face classes after a 24-hour lockdown for
disinfection of the school premises.

If the identified close contact is a teacher, only the class that the teacher is
Learners or personnel in the same handling will be shifted back to distance learning until the teacher completes the
class and week as the exposed quarantine period. The school shall inform parents/guardians of learners in the
person class regarding the situation and the shift in learning modality for fourteen (14)
weeks.

If necessary, the school shall provide psychosocial support to the learners who
were shifted back to distance learning or to any other school member whose
mental health was affected by the situation.

If the close contact in the school is a learner, the school shall engage other
household members regarding the home-school arrangement, including the time
of pick-up of the learner (if in school at the time the information was
communicated).
Other household members
Note: They shall be informed by the LGU to complete the fourteen (14)-day
quarantine, regardless of negative test result and vaccination status, before being
allowed to return to school or workplace. The school is not required to give
advice to other household members.

If the exposed learner or personnel

shows symptoms during quarantine
and has not been tested, refer to
Scenario 5.
Scenario 3. A learner or school personnel is identified to be a close contact of confirmed
case of COVID-19 outside of their household. The learner or personnel is not showing
symptoms of COVID-19.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

Collect the necessary information regarding close contact.

Record the actions the school has undertaken (for reference to the contact
tracing team of the LGU).

Advise the learner or personnel to return/remain at home.

Advise the asymptomatic close contact of the suspect, probable, or confirmed

cases to immediately quarantine and complete it for fourteen (14) days,
regardless if testing has not been done, or resulted negative.
Exposed learner or personnel
Ensure that the learner or personnel has completed the fourteen (14)-day
quarantine, regardless of negative test result and vaccination status, before
allowing him/her to return to school.

If the identified close contact is a learner, provide appropriate support for a shift
to distance learning modality for fourteen (14) days. This may include
psychosocial support if needed.

If the identified close contact is a teacher, identify the substitute teacher who
will conduct distance learning among the learners that the teacher is handling.
The school may provide psychosocial support to the affected teacher if needed.

Since there is a close contact but no confirmed case in the school, the school
shall allow them to attend face-to-face classes after a 24-hour lockdown for
disinfection of the school premises.

If the identified close contact is a teacher, only the class that the teacher is
Learners or personnel in the same
handling will be shifted back to distance learning until the teacher completes the
class and week as the exposed
quarantine period. The school shall inform parents/guardians of learners in the
person
class regarding the situation and the shift in learning modality for two (2) weeks.

If necessary, the school shall provide psychosocial support to the learners who
were shifted back to distance learning or to any other school member whose
mental health was affected by the situation.

Household members If the close contact in the school is a learner, the school shall engage other
 household members regarding the home-school arrangement, including the time
of pick-up of the learner (if in school at the time the information was
communicated).

Note: The LGU shall inform them if they are also identified as close contacts. If
not a close contact, they may continue attending school or going to their
workplace without a need for quarantine. If they are also identified as close
contact, they shall be informed by the LGU to complete the fourteen (14)-day
quarantine, regardless of negative test result and vaccination status, before being
allowed to return to school or workplace. The school is not required to give
advice to other household members.

If the exposed learner or personnel

shows symptoms during quarantine
and has not been tested, refer to
scenario 5.

Scenario 4. A learner or school personnel shows symptoms of COVID-19 but is not known
to be a close contact with a confirmed case.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

Person showing symptoms If the person showing symptoms Is In school:

Assist the learner or personnel to the designated isolation room in the school.

Following precautionary measures, provide the necessary emergency care.

Collect the necessary information regarding the person showing symptoms, as well
as his/her close contacts in school.

If the person showing symptoms is at home:

Advise the learner or person to remain at home.

Collect the necessary information regarding the person showing symptoms, as well
as his/her close contacts in school.

If a learner is showing symptoms, provide appropriate support for a transition to a

distance learning modality to ensure continuity of learning until he/she is cleared to
return to school. This may include psychosocial support if needed.

If a teacher is showing symptoms, identify the substitute teacher who will conduct
distance learning among the learners that the teacher is handling, until the affected
teacher is cleared to return to school. The school may provide psychosocial support
to the affected teacher if needed.

Ensure that the learner or personnel strictly follows the advice of local health
authorities, especially on the required number of days of isolation.

For asymptomatic: Ten (10)-day isolation has passed from the first viral diagnostic
test and remained asymptomatic throughout their infection.

For mild to moderate COVID-19 confirmed cases: Ten (10)-day isolation has passed
from the onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms have improved (cough,
shortness of breath), AND have been afebrile for at least 24 hours without the use of
antipyretic medications.

For severe and critical COVID-19 confirmed cases: Twenty-one (21)-day isolation
has passed from the onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms have improved
(cough, shortness of breath), AND have been afebrile for at least 24 hours without
the use of antipyretic medications.

For immunocompromised, do RT-PCR testing on the 10th day. If RT-PCR test

results turn out positive, refer to Infectious Disease Specialist. If RT-PCR test results
turn out negative, discharge from isolation.

Medical certification or repeat testing is not necessary for the safe return to the
school of immunocompetent individuals, provided that a licensed medical doctor
certifies or clears the patient. He/she shall be advised to isolate at home or in an
isolation facility until the COVID-19 test results have been released.
 Coordinate with local health authorities for evaluation of the person showing
Local health authority symptoms, contact tracing activities, and referral to a health facility, if the need
arises.

Advise the asymptomatic close contact of the suspect, probable, or confirmed cases
to immediately quarantine and complete it for 14 days, regardless if testing has not
been done, or resulted negative.

Since the teacher will be considered a close contact if a learner in his/her class shows
symptoms, identify the substitute teacher who will conduct distance learning among
the learners that the teacher is handling for fourteen (14) days. The school may
provide psychosocial support to the affected teacher if needed.
Exposed learners or personnel
(from the same class as the
Inform parents/guardians of learners in the class regarding the situation and the shift
person showing symptoms)
in learning modality for two (2) weeks.

For learners, provide appropriate support for a shift to distance learning modality for
fourteen (14) days. This may include psychosocial support if needed.

Ensure that the learner or personnel has completed the fourteen (14)-day quarantine,
regardless of negative test result and vaccination status, before allowing him/her to
return to school.

If the person showing symptoms tests negative for COVID-19, the school shall allow
other learners or personnel from the week to attend face-to-face classes without
Other learners and personnel
completing the required quarantine period provided that school premises have been
disinfected.

If the person showing symptoms in the school is a learner, the school shall inform the
household members regarding the condition of the learner and the actions undertaken
by the school (e.g. providing emergency care, referring to the local health authority).
The local health authority shall be responsible for coordinating with the household
Household member of the member if the learner should be isolated at home or in an isolation facility.
person showing symptoms
Note: They shall be informed by the LGU to complete the fourteen (14)-day
quarantine, regardless of negative test result and vaccination status, before being
allowed to return to school or workplace. The school is not required to give advice to
other household members.

If the learner or personnel

showing symptoms tests
negative for COVID-19 refer
to Scenario 6.
If the learner or personnel
showing symptoms tests
positive for COVID-19 refer to
Scenario 8.

Scenario 5. A learner or school personnel shows symptoms of COVID-19 and is a close

contact of a confirmed case.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

Even if there is no confirmed case, the school shall still declare a lockdown as a
precautionary measure since the person showing symptoms is a close contact of a
All Stakeholders
confirmed case. The school shall inform all stakeholders regarding the situation and
the decision to undergo a lockdown.

Person showing symptoms If the person showing symptoms is in school:

Assist the learner or personnel to the designated isolation room in the school.

Following precautionary measures, provide the necessary emergency care.

Collect the necessary information regarding the person showing symptoms, as well
as his/her close contacts in school.

If the person showing symptoms is at home:

Advise the learner or personnel to remain at home.

Collect the necessary information regarding the person showing symptoms, as well
as his/her close contacts in school.
 If a learner is showing symptoms, provide appropriate support for a transition to a
distance learning modality to ensure continuity of learning until he/she is cleared to
return to school. This may include psychosocial support if needed.

If a teacher is showing symptoms, identify the substitute teacher who will conduct
distance learning among the learners that the teacher is handling, until the affected
teacher is cleared to return to school. The school may provide psychosocial support
to the affected teacher if needed.

Ensure that the learner or personnel strictly follows the advice of local health
authorities, especially on the required number of days of isolation.

For asymptomatic: Ten (10)-day isolation has passed from the first viral diagnostic
test and remained asymptomatic throughout their infection.

For mild to moderate COVID-19 confirmed cases: Ten (10)-day isolation has passed
from the onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms have improved (cough,
shortness of breath), AND have been afebrile for at least 24 hours without the use of
antipyretic medications.

For severe and critical COVID-19 confirmed cases: Twenty-one (21)-day isolation
has passed from the onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms have
improved (cough, shortness of breath), AND have been afebrile for at least 24 hours
without the use of antipyretic medications.

For immunocompromised, do RT-PCR testing on the 10th day. If RT-PCR test

results turn out positive, refer to Infectious Disease Specialist. If RT-PCR test results
turn out negative, discharge from isolation.

Medical certification or repeat testing is not necessary for the safe return to the
school of immunocompetent individuals, provided that a licensed medical doctor
certifies or clears the patient. He/she shall be advised to isolate at home or in an
isolation facility until the COVID-19 test results have been released.

Coordinate with local health authorities for evaluation of the person showing
Local health authority symptoms, contact tracing activities, and referral to a health facility, if the need
arises.

All other learners and personnel Closely monitor the condition of all learners and school personnel.
(including those from the other
week) Advise the asymptomatic close contact of the suspect, probable, or confirmed cases
to immediately quarantine and complete it for 14 days, regardless if testing has not
been done, or resulted negative.

Since the teacher will be considered a close contact if a learner in his/her class
shows symptoms, identify the substitute teacher who will conduct distance learning
 among the learners that the teacher is handling for fourteen (14) days. The school
may provide psychosocial support to the affected teacher if needed.

Inform parents/guardians of learners in the class regarding the situation and the shift
in learning modality for two (2) weeks.

For learners, provide appropriate support for a shift to distance learning modality for
fourteen (14) days. This may include psychosocial support if needed.

Ensure that the learner or personnel has completed the fourteen (14)-day quarantine,
regardless of negative test result and vaccination status, before allowing him/her to
return to school.

If the person showing symptoms in the school is a learner, the school shall inform
the household members regarding the condition of the learner and the actions
undertaken by the school (e.g. providing emergency care, referring to the local
health authority). The local health authority shall be responsible for coordinating
with the household member if the learner should be isolated at home or in an
Household member of the
isolation facility.
person showing symptoms
Note: They shall be informed by the LGU to complete the fourteen (14)-day
quarantine, regardless of negative test result and vaccination status, before being
allowed to return to school or workplace. The school is not required to give advice
to other household members.

If the learner or personnel

showing symptoms tests
negative for COVID-19 refer to
Scenario 7.

If the learner or personnel

showing symptoms tests
positive for COVID-19 refer to
Scenario 8.

Scenario 6. A learner or school personnel who has symptoms tests negative for COVID-19
and is not known to Mite a close contact with a confirmed case.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

 Since there is no confirmed COVID-19 case, the school may announce the
resumption of face-to-face classes (if a school lockdown was previously
All Stakeholders
announced). However, only those who are not in the same class as the person
showing symptoms may return to attending face-to-face classes.

Continue providing the appropriate support and monitoring the condition of the
learner or personnel while he/she is completing the required isolation period.

Advise the learner or personnel to complete the number of days in isolation, as

required by the local health authorities, as the result might be false negative.

For asymptomatic: Ten (10)-day isolation has passed from the first viral
diagnostic test and remained asymptomatic throughout their infection.

For mild to moderate COVID-19 confirmed cases: Ten (10)-day isolation has
passed from the onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms have improved
(cough, shortness of breath), AND have been afebrile for at least 24 hours without
the use of antipyretic medications.
Person showing symptoms
For severe and critical COVID-19 confirmed cases: Twenty-one (21)-day
isolation has passed from the onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms
have improved (cough, shortness of breath), AND have been afebrile for at least
24 hours without the use of antipyretic medications.

For immunocompromised, do RT-PCR testing on the 10th day. If RT-PCR test

results turn out positive, refer to Infectious Disease Specialist. If RT-PCR test
results turn out negative, discharge from isolation.

Medical certification or repeat testing is not necessary for the safe return to the
school of immunocompetent individuals, provided that a licensed medical doctor
certifies or clears the patient.

Coordinate with local health authorities on the provision of medical support and
Local Health Authority
necessary protocol to be undertaken by affected learners and personnel.

Continue providing the appropriate support and monitoring their condition while
Exposed learners or personnel
they are completing the required fourteen (14)-day quarantine. Ensure that they
(from the same class as the person
complete the quarantine period, regardless of negative test results and vaccination
showing symptoms)
status, before allowing them to return to school.

Other learners and personnel If the person showing symptoms tests negative for COVID-19, other learners or
personnel shall be allowed to attend face-to-face classes without completing the
required quarantine period provided that school premises have been disinfected.
 Continue providing the appropriate support and monitoring the condition of
learners and personnel prior to the resumption of face-to-face classes.

Coordinate with parents/guardians and other school personnel regarding

the schedule of resumption of face-to-face classes

If the person showing symptoms

tests positive for COVID-19
during the 14-day quarantine refer
to Scenario 8.

Scenario 7. A learner or school personnel who has symptoms tests negative for COVID-19
but is known to be a close contact with a confirmed case.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

Even if there is no confirmed case, the school shall still complete the fourteen
All Stakeholders (14)-day lockdown as a precautionary measure since the person showing
symptoms is in close contact with a confirmed case.

Person showing symptoms Continue providing the appropriate support and monitoring the condition of the
learner or personnel while he/she is completing the required isolation period.

Advise the learner or personnel to complete the number of days in isolation, as

required by the local health authorities, as the result might be false negative.
 For asymptomatic: Ten (10)-day isolation has passed from the first viral
diagnostic test and remained asymptomatic throughout their infection.

For mild to moderate COVID-19 confirmed cases: Ten (10)-day isolation has
passed from the onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms have improved
(cough, shortness of breath), AND have been afebrile for at least 24 hours without
the use of antipyretic medications.

For severe and critical COVID-19 confirmed cases: Twenty-one (21)-day

isolation has passed from the onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms
have improved (cough, shortness of breath), AND have been afebrile for at least
24 hours without the use of antipyretic medications.

For immunocompromised, do RT-PCR testing on the 10th day. If RT-PCR test

results turn out positive, refer to Infectious Disease Specialist. If RT-PCR test
results turn out negative, discharge from isolation.

Medical certification or repeat testing is not necessary for the safe return to the
school of immunocompetent individuals, provided that a licensed medical doctor
certifies or clears the patient.

Coordinate with local health authorities on the provision of medical support and
Local Health Authority
necessary protocol to be undertaken by affected learners and personnel.

Continue providing the appropriate support and monitoring their condition while
they are completing the required fourteen (14)-day quarantine. Ensure that they
complete the quarantine period, regardless of negative test results and vaccination
All other learners and personnel
status, before allowing them to return to school.
(including those from the other
week)
If other learners and personnel do not show symptoms of COVID-19 within the
14-day lockdown, coordinate with school personnel, as well as the
parent/guardian of learners on the schedule of resumption of face-to-face classes.

If the person showing symptoms

tests positive for COVID-19
during the 14-day quarantine refer
to Scenario 8.
Scenario 8. A learner or school personnel tests positive for COVID-19.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

The school shall remain under lockdown until the required quarantine period of all
All stakeholders close contacts has been completed. The lockdown may be extended if other learners
show symptoms of COVID-19.

Person confirmed to have Continue providing the appropriate support and monitoring the condition of the learner
COVID-19 or personnel while they are completing the required isolation period.

Advise the person who is confirmed to have COVID-19 to complete the number of
days in isolation, as required by the local health authorities, as the result might be a
false negative.

For asymptomatic: Ten (10)-day isolation has passed from the first viral diagnostic test
and remained asymptomatic throughout their infection.

For mild to moderate COVID-19 confirmed cases: Ten (10)-day isolation has passed
from the onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms have improved (cough,
shortness of breath), AND have been afebrile for at least 24 hours without the use of
antipyretic medications.

For severe and critical COVID-19 confirmed cases: Twenty-one (21)-day isolation has
passed from the onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms have improved
(cough, shortness of breath), AND have been afebrile for at least 24 hours without the
use of antipyretic medications.

For immunocompromised, do RT-PCR testing on the 10th day. If RT-PCR test results
turn out positive, refer to Infectious Disease Specialist. If RT-PCR test results turn out
negative, discharge from isolation.
 Medical certification or repeat testing is not necessary for the safe return to the school
of immunocompetent individuals, provided that a licensed medical doctor certifies or
clears the patient.

Coordinate with local health authorities on the provision of medical support and
necessary protocol to be undertaken by affected learners and personnel.
Local Health Authority
Ensure that local health authorities have the correct contact details of learners and
personnel for contact tracing purposes.

Local Government Closely coordinate with the local government unit to provide a report which will serve
Unit as a guide if there is a need to declare a granular lockdown in the barangay.

Continue providing the appropriate support and monitoring their condition while they
All other learners and
are completing the required fourteen (14)-day quarantine. Ensure that they complete
personnel (including those
the quarantine period, regardless of negative test results and vaccination status, before
from the other week)
allowing them to return to school.

If close contacts are not

showing symptoms of
COVID-19, refer to Scenario
2.

If close contacts are showing

symptoms of COVID-19,
refer to Scenario 5.
Scenario 9. There are confirmed cases of COVID-19 outside the school. There is no known
close contact in the school. A granular lockdown in the barangay was announced by the
LGU.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

Closely coordinate with the local government unit to know if there will be a need
for a granular lockdown if there is an observed resurgence of COVID-19 cases in
Local Government Unit the barangay.
(barangay)
Coordinate with the local government unit to ensure that learners and personnel are
at home during the scheduled lockdown.

Inform parents/guardians and personnel regarding the expected shift to distance

learning modality.
Learners and personnel
Provide the necessary support to learners and personnel for the transition to the
distance learning modality.
Scenario 10. There is a high resurgence of COVID-19 in an adjacent barangay. There is no
known close contact in the school. The affected barangay is known to be frequented by
members of the barangay where the school is located.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

Closely coordinate with the local government unit to know if there will be a need
for a granular lockdown if there is an observed resurgence of COVID-19 cases in
Local Government adjacent barangays.
Unit (barangay)
Coordinate with the local government unit to ensure that learners and personnel are
at home during the scheduled lockdown.

Inform parents/guardians and personnel regarding the expected shift to distance

learning modality.
School
Provide the necessary support to learners and personnel for the transition to the
distance learning modality.
Scenario 11. There is a resurgence of COVID-19 in multiple baranqays in the municipality
where the school is located, and there is a change in the risk classification of the
municipality. The barangav where the school is located is not adjacent to the barangays
with COVID-19 resurgence. There are no known cases in the specific barangay of the
school.

Involved Stakeholder Required Action

Although there are no known cases in the barangay where the school is located, the
Local Government Unit
school must strictly follow the recommendation of authorities to temporarily shift
(municipal or
to a distance learning modality. This is to avoid the possible exposure of the
provincial)
community due to the high mobility of people.

If the lockdown was declared during school hours:

Ensure that health and safety protocols will still be observed in school.

Inform parents/guardians and personnel (through the appropriate communication

device) regarding the expected shift to distance learning modality.

Engage the parents/guardians regarding the home-school arrangement, including

the time of pick-up of the learners.
Learner and personnel
Provide the necessary support to learners and personnel for the transition to the
distance learning modality.

If the lockdown was declared after school hours or during the weekend:

Inform parents/guardians and personnel (through the appropriate communication

device) regarding the expected shift to distance learning modality.

Provide the necessary support to learners and personnel for the transition to the
distance learning modality.

Strategies to Transition back to Face-to-Face Learning Modality

During a school lockdown, it is important to continue engaging learners in meaningful activities

to ensure the continuity of learning. However, some learners or school personnel may need
additional support in transitioning back to distance learning and managing their emotions after
learning about the situation in the school or in the community. During this period, the support
from the family and other school personnel shall play a critical role in adapting to the change in
environment and coping with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

1. The school local hotline/help desk shall remain open for parents/guardians in need of
assistance in the distance learning of their children. Teachers may utilize this platform to
encourage parents/ guardians in their role as learning facilitators at home and to provide
additional support to learners in their independent study.

2. The school shall establish a cleaning and maintenance routine to ensure that all school
facilities are organized and functional until the resumption of face-to-face classes.

3. The school may perform critical administrative tasks on-site provided that they are given
permission by the LGU.

4. The school shall provide the required personal protective equipment to non-teaching
personnel who shall weekly conduct the cleaning and maintenance routine of the school,
and those who will need to perform administrative duties whenever necessary. The
school shall ensure that they will be properly compensated for physically reporting to
school during the school lockdown.

5. The guidance office shall remain operational to ensure that psychosocial support and
services shall be made available for all the members of the school community. In the
absence of a guidance office, affected learners and school personnel shall be provided
with Psychological First Aid (PFA) by trained teaching and nonteaching personnel in
schools. They shall also be assisted for referral to the counselling services provided by
the Schools Division Office, if further interventions are needed.

6. The school shall provide the appropriate support needed by the non-teaching personnel
while they are unable to physically report to school on a daily basis.

7. After the school lockdown, the school shall seek the consent of parents/guardians through
a written form for the participation of their chilldren in the resumption of face-to-face
classes.

8. For the first five school days, the first hour shall be devoted to discussion/facilitation of
modules related to mental: health, facilitated by their respective classroom advisers or
designated teachers.