Dumaguete: The Department of Education (DepEd) has prepared learning modules and other alternative learning modes for students in this city afflicted with highly contagious conjunctivitis, commonly known as sore eyes, an official said Monday. Dr. Juditha Mapue, assistant superintendent of the DepEd Dumaguete Division, highlighted that these measures were put in place even before Governor Manuel Sagarbarria issued a supplemental executive order last Friday to curb the spread of the infection.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Mapue noted that the department anticipated a rise in cases within schools, prompting the preparation of alternative delivery modes, such as modules or online classes, for students unable to attend face-to-face classes due to the affliction. DepEd policy states that face-to-face classes may be canceled for a particular class or section if at least 30 percent of its learners are suffering from conjunctivitis. Typically, classes have 30 to 40 learners, depending on the school.

For classes not meeting the 30-percent threshold, affected students will receive individual learning modules to complete at home until they are permitted to return to school. Governor Sagarbarria's supplemental executive order emphasized the importance of parents isolating children with sore eyes to prevent further transmission and urged teachers to prepare alternative learning modules.

Previously, the governor ordered the suspension of classes at all levels on Friday due to a surge in conjunctivitis cases in the province, allowing for the disinfection of schools. The Provincial Health Office reported over the weekend that 9,054 conjunctivitis cases were recorded in 220 schools across Negros Oriental. Dumaguete City reported the highest number, with 3,206 cases in 33 schools, followed by Bayawan City with 2,162 cases in 63 schools, and Sibulan with 1,341 cases in 21 schools. Other affected areas include San Jose, Tanjay City, Siaton, Pamplona, Mabinay, Bindoy, Manjuyod, Guihulngan City, Basay, Canlaon City, and Jimalalud.

Source: Philippine News Agency