Govt sets up 'warning system' vs A(H1N1) for school opening

MANILA, Philippines – Like a destructive tropical disturbance, the Influenza A(H1N1) virus has already been regarded as a deadly force that has attacked 15,000 humans and killed almost 100 others. This has prompted the government through the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to draw up a “warning system" similar to that used during the typhoon season, a radio report said Friday. In a meeting in Manila, officials from the DepEd, Ched, the National Disaster Coordinating Council, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) discussed progress reports and updates on the current situation of the A(H1N1) cases. Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde said the warning system – like in the scale of Tropical Storm Signals – would start at Alert Level 1 and could peak at Alert Level 4, during such an announcement classes in an entire school would be suspended. “Pinag-uusapan ang magiging guidelines sa alert level sa school. Ito ay similar sa Typhoon Signal kapag bumabagyo. Ito naman alert levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 at yung 4 ay suspension ng buong school division," he said. The warning system, however, is still in the drafting table and is expected to be completed by next week. The new “alert level" system would bestow powers on school principals, school administrators, and regional DepEd officials to suspend classes. “Lalabas iyan at aming i-aayos at ii-incorporate ng comments ng members ng NDCC at inaasahan naming na kapag mailalabas iyan by Monday ito na ang magiging guidance ng ating schools from primary, secondary and tertiary kung magkakaroon ng pagkalat sa ating mga eskwelahan," Villaverde said. Villaverde reiterated Health Secretary Francisco Duque III assurance that the opening of classes would not be disrupted even if the government has already reported 14 confirmed cases as of Friday. “By Monday, tuloy ang klase. Walang indication to postpone kasi wala tayong community level transmission ng sakit na ito [Classes will open on Monday. There is no indication to postpone because there are no community level transmission]," Villaverde said. - Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV