MANDALUYONG CITY -- With the implementation of Alert Level 2 and the government targeting to resume face-to-face classes anytime this year as COVID-19 cases continue to decline, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) shares some tips on how students can prepare for face-to-face classes.

As a member of society, we should arm ourselves with information by always keeping updated. In this way, we can be more aware of our responsibilities, and follow government policies.

We need to keep practicing all protective measures, especially when out in public – wear a mask, observe physical distancing, and wash/disinfect hands regularly. "Ang mga protocol ay dapat manatili pa rin kahit na nabakunahan ka na dahil patuloy pa rin ang pandemya," said Chairman and CEO Senator Dick Gordon.

Be transparent. "Dapat lagi tayo maging tapat upang maging safe ang lahat. Mahalagang magsalita ng maayos sa iyong mga kasama lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya upang maayos na maipatupad ang lahat ng mga patakaran," added Gordon.

Learn about your school's counseling services. As the pandemic has heightened anxiety and depression, there is a need to address these concerns. Let us look after our mental health and, at the same time, be more empathetic. Showing a little kindness can go a very long way towards keeping our loved ones and our community healthy and safe in the face of unprecedented pressures.

Keep yourself healthy. Regularly engage in physical activity, get adequate rest, and eat nutritional meals as this not only improves overall health, but also makes us more resilient during COVID-19.

Last but not least, best way to protect yourself, and everyone around you is by getting vaccinated. "I want to stress the need for vaccination and the urgency for individuals to get vaccinated to curb the ongoing pandemic. By getting vaccinated, we are one step closer to winning our war against COVID-19," reiterates Gordon. (Philippine Red Cross)