School Opening Approaching, 'Wuhan Pneumonia' Spreading... Students Returning from China to Undergo 14-Day Self-Quarantine

Ministry of Education Strengthens Response Measures Including Pre-Inspection of Educational Institutions' Preparedness
Returnees from Hubei Prohibited from Attending School Without Symptoms... Quarantine Period Recognized as Attendance

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) have emerged, the education authorities have begun preparing additional measures, including inspecting the response status at schools ahead of the new semester. Students and staff who have visited Hubei Province, China, or other affected areas within the past two weeks must self-quarantine without attending school, even if they show no abnormal symptoms.

On the 27th, the Ministry of Education held an emergency countermeasure meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye to prepare for the novel coronavirus infection, delivering response guidelines to metropolitan and provincial offices of education, universities, and schools at all levels. On the same day, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under the Ministry of Health and Welfare raised the infectious disease crisis alert level from 'caution' to 'alert.'

The Ministry of Education first urged students and staff who have visited the Hubei region in China and show suspected symptoms to immediately report to the local health center or the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (phone 1339).

Additionally, considering the 14-day incubation period, even asymptomatic individuals who returned from the Hubei region after the 13th are requested to self-quarantine for 14 days from their return date without attending school. This applies to faculty and students of elementary, middle, high schools, and universities. The quarantine period will be recognized as attendance.

The Ministry of Education also expanded and reorganized the 'Novel Coronavirus Prevention Task Force,' which has been operating since the 20th centered around the Student Support Bureau, into an organization involving 20 departments within the ministry.

Park Baek-beom, Deputy Minister of Education and head of the task force, will chair a meeting of deputy superintendents of metropolitan and provincial offices of education at 8:30 a.m. on the 28th to recheck the preparedness of educational institutions.

They plan to verify infectious disease prevention education and quarantine status at schools ahead of the new semester and review cooperation systems with related organizations such as health authorities.

They will also identify the status of quarantined students and staff and prepare support measures accordingly.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Education urges active practice of preventive measures such as 'observing proper cough etiquette and regular handwashing' at home and school to prevent infection. If suspected symptoms occur, individuals are advised to first contact the local health center or the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before visiting medical institutions and to follow subsequent guidance.

An official from the Ministry of Education stated, "We will continue to coordinate with health authorities and consider additional measures for educational institutions depending on the situation, such as an increase in patient cases within the region."