CLASSES in all levels both in public and private schools in Pangasinan were suspended starting March 16 until April 12 to address the threat of the Covid-19.

Governor Amado Espino III said he issued Executive Order (EO) No. 0012-2020 on March 13 Friday detailing the safety measures agreed upon by various stakeholders who attended the inter-agency consultation meeting on the same day.

He clarified that the cancellation of classes, however, does not mean the end of the current school year unless school authorities declare it.

“Provided, that schools may employ mechanisms so that students continue to fulfill their educational requirements within the said period and that families shall be responsible in ensuring their respective students to remain in their homes during the said period,” he added.

It also ordered the suspension of school activities that draw crowds including but not limited to promenades, social nights, graduation balls, and foundation day celebration until further notice.

Similarly, the EO ordered all public gatherings in barangays, municipalities, and component cities such as fiestas and festivities, barangay assemblies, reunions, trade fairs, carnivals, balikbayan affairs, concerts, fundraising events, and other public events, postponed until further notice.

He said Dagupan City Mayor Marc Brian Lim also assured support for the E.O.

Espino also directed barangay officials to monitor activities and movements of their constituents who came from Metro Manila to beat the community quarantine and asked that lists of their constituents, balikbayans and OFWs who arrived from Manila be submitted to their respective health offices.

Espino said all the listed names shall be asked to go on self-quarantine in their respective homes and avail of medical assistance if symptoms of Covid-19 manifest.

He also encouraged the public to adopt preventive and safety measures in their workplace, ditto for bus companies and other public transportation units.

“They should provide alcohol or hand sanitizers and usage of thermal scanners upon entry. Passengers with above normal temperature will be denied entry and shall be referred to the nearest medical centers,” he said.

Espino also urged the immediate reporting of suspected Covid-19 patients. (Helen Martin/ Jerick Pasiliao)

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