‘COVID-19 Spread’ Complete Suspension of Educational Activities in Gwangju Preschools, Elementary, Middle, and High Schools Until the End of This Month

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education announced on the 21st that it will completely suspend all educational activities for all kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools until the 29th due to the continuous occurrence of additional COVID-19 confirmed cases.

The Gwangju Office of Education has suspended after-school activities and care classrooms for elementary, middle, and high schools, and issued a closure order for all kindergartens in Gwangju in coordination with daycare centers.

For kindergartens and elementary schools where care is absolutely necessary, an "emergency care service" will be provided.

The head of the internally operated "Situation Countermeasure Team" will be elevated from the vice superintendent to the superintendent, and the response to COVID-19 will be managed at a "serious" level.

Postponement of the school opening is not being considered at this stage, but it will be discussed again depending on whether additional confirmed cases occur.

Students and staff who have visited areas with many COVID-19 confirmed cases or events attended by confirmed patients are requested to refrain from attending school or work for two weeks as part of self-quarantine measures.

Additionally, school sports facilities will be closed until the 1st of next month. All private academies are also strongly encouraged to close until the end of this month, and thorough implementation of disinfection and sterilization is requested.

Superintendent Jang Hwikuk said, "We completed the first special disinfection for all 503 schools in Gwangju by the 17th, and plan to conduct a second disinfection using ULV ultra-fine particle sterilization spraying method until the 29th," adding, "We will thoroughly prepare for COVID-19 and carefully protect the safety of Gwangju students."