"To Resume School, COVID-19 Transmission Risk Must Be Significantly Reduced First"
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking while presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 response at the Seoul Situation Center in the Central Disaster and Safety Situation Room of the Government Seoul Office Building on the 28th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-gyu Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 28th, ahead of the school reopening date postponed three times due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, "We will listen to various opinions and make a decision by early next week based on the principle of prioritizing children's safety."
At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office that day, Prime Minister Chung said, "For the past fifteen days, the number of recovered patients per day has exceeded new cases, and today the recovery rate compared to the total number of patients is expected to exceed 50%. However, it is true that there are still many concerns about the April 6 school reopening."
The government is surveying parents and local community opinions regarding the reopening and plans to finalize and announce on the 30th or 31st whether to proceed with the scheduled April 6 reopening of kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide or to postpone further after additional discussions this weekend.
Prime Minister Chung mentioned, "To reopen schools, the risk of COVID-19 transmission must first be significantly reduced, and the local community, education sector, and above all, parents must agree. Schools must also complete sufficient preparations to ensure children's safety." He added, "After today's meeting, I will meet with provincial and city superintendents of education to carefully listen to the opinions of the local community and education sector," and said, "We cannot delay much longer, and I understand well that many citizens see the reopening as a turning point to escape the isolation so far."
Following the CDSCH meeting, Prime Minister Chung plans to hold a video conference with provincial and city superintendents of education to gather opinions on the April 6 reopening.
Regarding the government's implementation of high-intensity 'social distancing' since the 22nd ahead of the reopening date, Prime Minister Chung expressed, "I deeply thank religious leaders who have been actively cooperating and ask for their continued support during the remaining two weekends."
He also emphasized, "Young people need to refrain from visiting entertainment venues vulnerable to infection, such as clubs," and ordered, "Related agencies should continue to focus on inspecting compliance with quarantine guidelines at entertainment facilities today as they did yesterday."
Additionally, concerning the return of 198 citizens from Peru on a temporary flight this morning and the expected arrival of about 550 Korean residents from Italy next week, he urged thorough quarantine measures without any gaps.
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