IATF OKs use of classrooms at 100% capacity for college level in-person classes under Alert Level 1 areas

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has allowed higher educational institutions to hold face-to-face classes using 100% of the classrooms’ capacity amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Alert Level 1 areas, the Palace said Friday.

Acting deputy presidential spokesperson Kris Ablan announced that this is provided under IATF Resolution 164 issued on Friday, March 11.

“On classroom capacity, the allowable seating capacity in classrooms of HEIs in areas under Alert Level 1 is at a maximum of 100% capacity,” the IATF Resolution read.

The IATF, however, maintained that the in-person classes participants are still limited to teaching, non-teaching personnel, and students who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated students in Alert Level 1 areas, on the other hand, will remain under flexible learning modalities.

As for operations of the HEI student dormitories, IATF said there will be no restriction as to its operational capacity provided that the HEI secures clearance from their respective Local Government Unit.

On the requirement for HEIs before operations in areas under Alert Level 1, the IATF said they should take the self-assessment checklist as per CHED-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular No. 004-2021, and operate under self re-opening.

Likewise, HEIs can continue to get technical assistance from their respective LGUs, the local IATF, CHED Regional Offices, and/or Commission on Higher Education Experts Group.

The IATF also granted HEIs the discretion to choose which learning modalities should they operationalize, as long as there will be continuity of learning under any flexible learning modality subject to the condition that the HEIs may require. — RSJ, GMA News