Order to Close Jinwol Elementary School Until Next Month 6 Due to COVID-19 Confirmed Employee

Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education Orders All Staff to Self-Isolate and Voluntary Quarantine

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education has issued a closure-level suspension order until the 6th of next month for Jinwol Elementary School, where the wife of patient number 126, who was diagnosed with COVID-19, works.

According to the Gwangju Office of Education on the 23rd, it was confirmed that the teacher in question went to school on the 19th and came into contact with faculty members, so all staff at Jinwol Elementary School were instructed to undergo 'self and voluntary quarantine.'

Additionally, the Office of Education has urged voluntary quarantine for family members living with the staff who came into contact on the 19th and is focusing on identifying the teacher's movements and contact status with staff since the 17th.

They plan to gradually strengthen responses related to the teacher going forward.

Depending on whether COVID-19 spreads among the staff who contacted the teacher, the scope of the suspension order will be expanded.

Disinfection and sanitation at Jinwol Elementary School will also be intensified. Emergency special disinfection was conducted on the 23rd, and special disinfection will continue every three days.

Superintendent Jang Hwikuk said, “We ask parents and citizens to refer to school notices or text messages and actively follow the school's measures,” adding, “The Gwangju Office of Education will respond quickly and accurately to stabilize the school as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, on the 21st, the Office of Education suspended all educational activities for kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Gwangju until the 29th.

After-school activities and care classes for elementary, middle, and high schools have been suspended, and a closure order has been issued for all kindergartens in Gwangju. For kindergartens and elementary schools where care is essential, 'emergency care services' will be provided.