[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Some elementary schools in the Gangnam and Yongsan areas of Seoul have postponed the start of the semester to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).
According to the education sector, Cheongdam Elementary School in Gangnam-gu, which was originally scheduled to start the semester on the 29th, postponed the start date to February 3rd to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus within the school.
Apgujeong Elementary School in Gangnam-gu, which was scheduled to start on the 30th, also informed parents that the semester would be postponed to February 3rd.
Bong-eun Elementary School in Gangnam-gu and Samgwang Elementary School in Yongsan-gu also changed their start dates, originally scheduled for the 31st and 29th of this month respectively, to February 3rd.
Currently, the legally mandated number of school days for elementary schools is at least 190 days. Since most schools plan for slightly more than the minimum required days to prepare for emergencies, postponing the start of the semester by a few days does not significantly affect the academic schedule.
Previously, the government and each city and provincial education office considered recommending frontline schools to postpone the semester to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, but have not implemented this due to the fact that no infections have yet occurred within the region.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
