Citing mental health, pediatric experts recommend gradual reopening of in-person classes July 7, 2021 | 10:03 am PHILSTAR THOUGH CHILDREN are unlikely to be a major source of community transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), resuming face-to-face classes will have to occur in phases starting in low-risk areas, according to pediatricians who participated in a webinar organized by the University of the Philippines (UP). âThere are so many things to consider (but) there are many advantages of starting schooling because of the mental effect that the prolonged lack of (physical) schooling has caused our children,â said Dr. Ma. Liza Antoinette M. Gonzales, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and associate dean at the UP College of Medicine, at the virtual event titled âCOVID-19 in Children.â Â