MANILA (UPDATE) - Limited face-to-face classes will only be allowed starting January of next year, Malacañang said Tuesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night approved the proposed resumption of traditional classes in areas with low risk of COVID-19 transmission.

"Ang face-to-face classes ay pinapayagan simula sa Enero ng susunod na taon o sa 3rd quarter po of the school year," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace press briefing.

(Face-to-face classes are allowed starting January of next year or for the 3rd quarter of the school year.)

• Duterte approves limited face-to-face classes in areas with low-risk of COVID-19 spread

Private schools that have started limited face-to-face classes in June will be allowed to continue, he added.

The Department of Education said face-to-face classes would only be conducted if a local government unit or school has made a request to the agency's regional or division office.

The DepEd has also set the following conditions for limited face-to-face classes:

1. Face-to-face classes will be allowed only in low-risk areas, or those already under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) or in the transition phase between GCQ and the new normal.

2. Decisions to allow limited, localized face-to-face classes will be made with due coordination between Deped, LGUs concerned, and local health authorities.

3. Stringent health standards will be followed

4. Pilot testing and inspection will be held jointly with the National Task Force Against COVID-19 for observance of required health standards and protocols.

The following health standards should be observed in schools that will be allowed to hold face-to-face classes:

1. No mask, no entry policy in school premises

2. Hand washing and hand hygiene

3. Regular disinfection in school premises

4. Checking for temperature and respiratory symptoms

5. Reduction in class size to 15 up to a maximum of 20 and physical arrangement of seats conforming with required distances

6. Intermittent attendance to school only, to complement distance learning

7. Control of flow of learners and personnel in school entrance and exit

8. No mass gatherings

9. Visible instructions, signages, and markings

10. Preparedness and case management system in coordination with LGUs and local health authorities for contact tracing, isolation and treatment