Fact Check: No Government Order Suspending Classes Despite Rise in Flu-Like Cases

Recent reports of a government memorandum suspending classes nationwide from October 20 to 25 due to a surge in influenza-like illnesses have been circulating on social media, prompting education officials to issue a clarification on the matter.

The Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed yesterday that no such directive has been issued by the national government. “We have not released any memorandum ordering the suspension of classes across all schools for the specified period,” said DepEd spokesperson Maria Santos in a statement to reporters.

The false information began spreading on Facebook and Twitter earlier this week, with some posts featuring fabricated documents bearing government letterheads and signatures. These posts claimed that authorities had decided to implement a nationwide class suspension to prevent the further spread of influenza-like illnesses among students.

While there has indeed been an increase in influenza cases reported across several regions in recent weeks, health authorities maintain that the situation does not warrant a blanket suspension of classes nationwide.

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that they are monitoring a seasonal uptick in influenza-like illnesses, which is typical during the transition from rainy to dry season. DOH data shows a 15 percent increase in cases compared to the same period last year, with most patients experiencing mild to moderate symptoms.

“We are seeing the expected seasonal rise in respiratory illnesses, but our healthcare system is managing the situation well,” explained Dr. Antonio Reyes, Director of the DOH’s Bureau of Epidemiology. “What we’re advising is vigilance at the local level, where specific schools with high absence rates may implement their own temporary suspensions following local protocols.”

Several local government units have already taken precautionary measures in their respective jurisdictions. In Metro Manila, three cities have suspended classes in specific schools where absenteeism rates exceeded 20 percent due to illness. Similarly, some provincial schools in Central Luzon have implemented two to three-day suspensions to allow for disinfection and to break potential transmission chains.

Education experts emphasize that decisions to suspend classes should be made based on local data rather than nationwide directives. “School closures have significant impacts on learning and should be implemented judiciously,” said Dr. Elena Cruz, an education policy researcher at the University of the Philippines. “The pandemic taught us that blanket approaches aren’t always necessary when targeted interventions can be more effective.”

The DepEd urged the public to verify information through official government channels before sharing content online. “We understand the concern for student welfare, but misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and disruption,” Santos added.

Health officials recommend that schools continue implementing basic health protocols, including proper ventilation of classrooms, regular handwashing, and encouraging students with symptoms to stay home. Parents are advised to keep children with fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms at home and seek medical attention if necessary.

The false memorandum is the latest in a series of education-related misinformation that has spread online in recent months. Last month, authorities had to debunk claims of curriculum changes and altered school calendars that had similarly gone viral on social media platforms.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of combating misinformation in the digital age, especially when it pertains to public health and education matters that directly affect millions of Filipino families.

For accurate information regarding class suspensions, the public is encouraged to monitor official announcements from DepEd, their local government units, and their respective schools’ official communication channels.