MANILA - The city government of Marikina heeded calls for an academic health break in schools, amid soaring coronavirus infections among learners, teachers, and school personnel.

"Dahil sa maraming nagkakasakit na mga bata, guro at kanilang kaanak sa Lungsod ng Marikina, minabuti na magdeklara ng isang Academic Health Break na magsisimula sa January 17 hanggang January 29, 2022 alinsunod sa provision ng Section 16-General Welfare Clause ng Local Government Code (Many children, teachers, and their relatives were infected by Covid-19 in Marikina City, it is better to declare an academic health break that will start on January 17 to January 29, 2022, which is in accordance with the provision of Section 16-General Welfare Clause of the Local Government Code)," Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said in a statement Friday.

The order covers both public and private schools in all levels, both synchronous and asynchronous classes.

During the health break period, giving homework to students is also not allowed.

"Sa kadahilanan ng public health emergency na ito, mainam na mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang bawat pamilyang taga-Marikina na makatuon sa pagpapagaling ng kanilang karamdaman, makapagpahinga, makapagquarantine at maasikaso ang kanilang mga pangangailangan sa mga panahon na ito (Due to this public health emergency, it is good to give every family in Marikina the opportunity to focus on their recovery and take care of their needs during these times)," Teodoro said.

He also urged residents to refrain from leaving their homes for unessential purposes.

"Tinatagubilin na bawasan muna ang paglabas sa inyong bahay, maliban lamang kung essential o lubhang mahalaga ang lakad at gawain. Pinapananalagin namin na kayo po ay laging ligtas at mabuti parati ang kalagayan (It is recommended to reduce going out of your home first, unless walking and activities are essential or extremely important. We pray that you are always safe and in good condition)," he said.

The National Capital Region (NCR) will remain under Alert Level 3 until the end of January.

The Metro Manila Council earlier decided to retain the Alert Level 3 status for NCR, citing enough restrictions in place and only a slight increase in the region's healthcare utilization rate despite the increasing number of Covid-19 infections. (PNA)