Children will not go to schools till vaccine is available: Philippines

Officials in the Philippines said on Monday that children would not be allowed to go back to schools until a coronavirus vaccine is available.

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte insisted on the same measure, saying that he would not let children return to schools unless he is "sure that they are really safe".

Add WION as a Preferred Source

On Monday education secretary Leonor Briones said, "We will comply with the president's directive to postpone face-to-face classes until a vaccine is available", in a press briefing, reported AFP.

He added that classes will be resumed at the end of August and teachers will use distance learning methods through internet or TV broadcasts.

In the Philippines, millions live in extreme poverty, and therefore attending online classes, which requires a computer or smartphone, will be very challenging.

"The teacher and the school will have to adjust... depending on the availability of communication," the health secretary said.

There has not been much criticism in the Philippines for delaying face-to-face classes, as the country is daily witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, despite being under one of the world's strictest lockdowns.

Also, in the Philippines, children are generally not allowed to go outside their homes until it is absolutely necessary.

Scientists across the world are hastening to find the vaccine of this deadly virus, however, many experts say that from the end of this year to one or two years would be required for developing.