Pyeongtaek City Orders Closure of All Daycare Centers... Wuhan Pneumonia Anxiety Spreads

Fourth Confirmed Case Emerges
Those Willing Can Attend School

The fourth confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection, known as 'Wuhan pneumonia,' has occurred in South Korea. On the morning of the 27th, a notice restricting visits related to Wuhan pneumonia was posted at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

All daycare centers in Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi Province, have been ordered to temporarily close. On the 20th, a 55-year-old man who returned from Wuhan, China, was confirmed as the fourth patient with the novel coronavirus infection in the morning.

On the 27th, Pyeongtaek City announced that it had decided to impose a temporary closure order for 423 daycare centers from the 28th to the 31st, a period of four days. However, children from dual-income families and those who require childcare were allowed to attend.

Some daycare centers sent urgent notification text messages to parents stating, "An emergency meeting was held at the city hall, and a temporary closure order for daycare centers has been issued until the 31st. Please contact us if your child must attend despite this."

A Pyeongtaek City official explained, "As anxiety among parents spread mainly through internet cafes, many inquired about whether daycare centers would close. Some daycare centers had already decided to close before the official order was issued, so the city decided to implement the closure order."

He added, "Especially in the western area where Pyeongtaek Port is located, there are many travelers and small traders who frequently visit China, which has heightened concerns. The temporary closure order is a preemptive measure, and we will consider suspending or extending it depending on future developments."

Kindergartens and elementary, middle, and high schools are also on alert. The Pyeongtaek Office of Education, after consulting with the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education until late afternoon, decided not to issue a school closure order.

However, it announced, "Students (including young children) and staff who have visited Wuhan, China, or whose family members have done so within the past 14 days should refrain from attending school for 14 days after entry, even if they show no symptoms."

Regarding private academies, a decision on temporary closure will be made after consultation with the Provincial Office of Education on the 28th.