'Emergency Care' Support for Elementary Schools with 'School Opening Delay'... Available for New Students Too

Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, Disinfection and Quarantine in All Schools ... Suspension of External Organizations' Use of School Facilities

On the 3rd, as concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection grow, Cho Hee-yeon, Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, is spraying hand sanitizer on students attending school at Bongeun Elementary School in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced on the 24th that it will provide emergency care at kindergartens and elementary schools due to the one-week delay in the school opening.

Kindergartens will operate after-school programs reflecting parents' opinions. If operating after-school programs is difficult, guidance will be provided to use the 'Child Care Service' operated by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

Elementary schools will operate care classrooms based on demand surveys. Students who have not previously applied to use care classrooms or first graders who have not yet enrolled will also be able to use the care classrooms.

Earlier on the 23rd, as the COVID-19 crisis alert level was raised to the highest 'Severe' level, the government ordered all kindergartens, elementary, middle, high schools, and special schools to postpone the school opening by one week to March 9. It also recommended academies to close temporarily.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will disinfect and sanitize all schools during the secured period due to the delayed opening. It also suspended the use of school facilities such as gymnasiums by external organizations and, in principle, banned outsiders from entering schools.

The Seoul Office of Education explained, "National qualification exams, parking, and individual use of playgrounds by residents may be allowed after thorough disinfection and consultation with the school principal."

Twenty-two libraries and lifelong learning centers operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education have also temporarily closed.

The Office of Education stated, "The internal COVID-19 response organization will be upgraded from the 'Student Infectious Disease Countermeasures Team' to the 'Regional Accident Response Headquarters,' with the Superintendent of Education as the head."