COVID-19 Info

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of patients only experience mild illness and recover. Around 14 percent go through severe symptoms while five percent fall critically ill.

The disease is spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth when infected people cough or sneeze. It is said to be more damaging to the elderly, as well as people who have preexisting medical conditions. Authorities recommend regular and proper hand washing, covering the nose and mouth when coughing, and avoiding close contact with others to prevent infections.

On 30 January 2020, the Philippine Department of Health reported the first case of COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year-old female Chinese national. On 7 March, the first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed. WHO is working closely with the Department of Health in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Philippines, is facing a critical situation due to the rise of the COVID – 19 pandemic. For higher education institutions, like the City of Malabon University, avoiding and limiting the risks of infection has become a great concern. With the implementation of community quarantine, conduct of classes is needed to be immediately suspended and the challenge then was how to continue learning beyond the usual face to face instruction.

Blended Flexible Learning is the design and delivery of programs, courses, and learning interventions that address learners’ unique needs in terms of place, pace, process, and products of learning. It involves the use of digital and non-digital technology, and covers both face-to-face/in-person learning and out-of-classroom learning modes of delivery or a combination of modes of delivery. It ensures the continuity of inclusive and accessible education when the use of traditional modes of teaching is not feasible, as in the occurrence of national emergencies.