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Advisory on the Safety and Precautionary Measures for the Prevention and Control of COVID–19

In light of the recent events regarding the threat of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines, Marist School supports the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) and enjoins every member of the community to take an active role to stop the spread of the disease.

Likewise, Marist School encourages all stakeholders (students, parents, and school personnel) to stay calm and to take the necessary steps to be well-informed regarding the nature of the disease and the appropriate preventive measures to take. 

Kindly be guided by the following information and guidelines:

How COVID-19 spreads

According to the World Health Organization, “when someone who has COVID-19 coughs or exhales, he/she releases droplets of infected fluid. Most of these droplets fall on nearby surfaces and objects – such as desks, tables or telephones. People could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects – and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. If they are standing within one meter of a person with COVID-19 they can catch it by breathing in droplets coughed out or exhaled by them. In other words, COVID-19 spreads in a similar way to flu. Most persons infected with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and recover. However, some go on to experience more serious illness and may require hospital care. Risk of serious illness rises with age: people over 40 seem to be more vulnerable than those under 40. People with weakened immune systems and people with conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease are also more vulnerable to serious illness.”

Updates on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019)

  • As of March 5, the WHO reports a total of 95,265 reported cases of COVID-19 globally and 3281 deaths. (Retrieved from https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19—5-march-2020)
  • As of March 7, the DOH confirmed that the country’s 5th case of COVID-19—a man with no travel history—was due to local transmission of the virus. Consequently, DOH raised code red, sublevel 1 which included intensifying contact tracing (process of identification of persons who may have come into contact with an infected person and subsequent collection of further information about these contacts). Also, the DOH recommended the declaration of a state of public health emergency. (Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1238375/to-prevent-community-transmission-of-covid-19-doh-to-expand-contact-tracing)
  • As of March 8, the DOH reports 6 confirmed cases, 624 cases tested negative, and 29 cases pending test results. (Retrieved from www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCov)

Updates on Actions Taken by the School on the Prevention and Control of COVID-19

The Covid-19 concern is declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global health emergency. Rest assured that Marist School keeps abreast with regular updates from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), and WHO. Moreover, it has taken the following actions:

  • A memo was released to parents on February 5 to provide information regarding COVID-19 and guidelines on the prevention and control of the virus.
  • As part of the common practice of the school, classrooms (especially chairs and tables), comfort rooms, handrails, and other areas are daily disinfected with hospital grade disinfectant.
  • UV Light Sterilizer is used in any reported case of communicable disease.
  • Room to room campaign awareness of Covid-19 was conducted by the Clinic Personnel on February 10 – 14 to students and personnel.
  • Posters from the Department of Education regarding protection measures from COVID-19 are displayed in all classrooms, offices, and other strategic places in the campus.
  • Alcohol dispensers are provided and placed in strategic areas in the campus.
  • Thermal scanners are used by clinic personnel to monitor students’ temperature.

Reiteration on the Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19

  • General Safety and Preventive Measures

School personnel/Student is advised to:

  • observe proper hygiene practices.
    • stay home when he/she is sick.
    • avoid contact with people who are sick.
    • get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meal.
    • wash hands often with water and soap (for 20 seconds or longer).
    • dry hands with a clean towel or air dry them.
    • cover one’s mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
    • avoid touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces.
    • often clean and disinfect surfaces that are regularly touched such as tables or armchairs.
    • avoid spitting anywhere.
    • properly handle and dispose of wastes.
    • avoid unnecessary assembly or gathering in closed venues like malls.
    • hydrate regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Standard School Protocols
    • A student who is sick should not be sent to school to prevent the spread of disease.
    • If the student has coughs and colds for several days, he/she is advised to stay at home and to have himself/herself be checked by a doctor.
    • When a student reports back to school after being sick, he/she must present a medical certificate/clearance to the adviser (for the grade school)/the prefect of discipline (for the high school).
    • Students are to bring their hygiene kits daily as frequent hand washing/sanitizing helps prevent spread the disease.
    • As per advice of the Department of Health, a 2-week (14 days) self-quarantine period is required of any student who has recently travelled to any country with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
    • In order to prevent the spread of the disease the school limits the entry of visitors to the campus.
    • Every visitor is required to undergo thermal scanning before allowed entry to the campus.

Let us continue to pray for everyone’s safety and join the Marist Community in regularly praying the Oratio Imperata.

Thank you for your support for one strong and safe Marist Family.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

From Marist Administration