The Influenza A(H1N1) virus is now regarded as a deadly force, destructive like a tropical disturbance. A(H1N1) has attacked 15,000 humans and killed almost 100 others. This prompted the government through the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to draw up a “warning system” similar to what is used during the typhoon season.
Officials from the DepEd, Ched, the National Disaster Coordinating Council, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) discussed progress reports and updates on the current situation of the A(H1N1) cases and disseminate information nationwide.
Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde cited a warning system – like in the scale of Tropical Storm Signals –Alert Level 1 and could peak at Alert Level 4, during such an announcement classes in an entire school would be suspended. However, Local DepEd officials in the Province said the new “alert level” system, which, draft is expected to be final in the coming week would bestow powers on school principals, school administrators, and regional DepEd officials to suspend or postpone opening of classes.