President Moon: "Daegu, COVID-19 'Emergency'... School Authorities Must Stay Alert"

President Moon Jae-in is holding a meeting with metropolitan and provincial superintendents of education at the Blue House on the 19th to discuss measures against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the new semester's educational field.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in said on the 19th in Daegu, where more than 10 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were identified in clusters, "Daegu is currently on alert, but similar patterns can occur anywhere, so school authorities should also remain vigilant."

President Moon held a 'Meeting with Metropolitan and Provincial Superintendents of Education' at the Blue House that morning and said, "While staying alert to infectious disease response, please unite your minds so as not to be psychologically overwhelmed by excessive anxiety or fear," according to Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok. Spokesperson Kang explained, "This is the first meeting between the president and metropolitan and provincial superintendents of education in eight years," adding, "It was an occasion to discuss the COVID-19 response system and school safety management status ahead of the new semester, as well as to hear opinions on local education decentralization."

President Moon emphasized to the superintendents, "Although school closures or delays in the start of the semester are decreasing, the safety of children is paramount," and added, "Protecting children's safety is the most important responsibility of the government and education authorities." The education sector is currently on high alert for quarantine measures ahead of the new semester starting next month.

Regarding the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions where a large number of COVID-19 cases have occurred, President Moon said, "I received a report that the number of confirmed cases has significantly increased today," and added, "It is necessary to greatly strengthen the community infection response system and establish a reliable local quarantine network." He continued, "Quarantine measures must be further strengthened for vulnerable facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, as well as multi-use facilities like churches," and urged, "I hope the superintendents will closely monitor the spread of community infections and cooperate in appropriate responses."

President Moon Jae-in is holding a meeting with metropolitan and provincial superintendents of education at the Blue House on the 19th to discuss measures against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the new semester's educational field.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Seung-hwan, Superintendent of Education in Jeonbuk and chairman of the National Council of Metropolitan and Provincial Superintendents of Education, said, "Metropolitan and provincial offices of education are responding thoroughly to COVID-19," adding, "Underreaction is a problem, but overreaction is also a problem. The ripple effect of unnecessary anxiety is significant. We respond thoroughly but prioritize stability."

Kang Eun-hee, Superintendent of Education in Daegu, where confirmed cases have occurred, said, "There is a lot of concern. It was a clean area, but with confirmed cases, all of Daegu is flustered," but also stated, "We will track movement paths to prevent an increase in infections."

As this was the first meeting with superintendents since President Moon took office, discussions on educational issues also took place. Cho Hee-yeon, Superintendent of Education in Seoul, proposed, "I hope there will be a regular communication channel between the president and metropolitan and provincial superintendents for educational innovation and various issue consultations," suggesting a tentative 'Education Cabinet Meeting' format. Additionally, many superintendents voiced unanimous support for the establishment of a 'National Education Commission.'

In his closing remarks, President Moon said, "Regarding the Education Cabinet Meeting, I will strive to have more frequent opportunities to meet and listen," and added, "Legislation needed (such as the National Education Commission) will have another chance in the last 20th National Assembly session at the end of May after the general election." He further stated, "I will do my best to expand local education decentralization."