[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) rises again, about 450 schools in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Gyeongbuk regions have postponed the scheduled return to school on the 27th.
According to the Ministry of Education and local governments on the 26th, one day before the second phase of school reopening, approximately 450 schools in the relevant areas, including 15 schools in Seoul, 251 schools in Bucheon, Gyeonggi, and 185 schools in Gyeongbuk, have postponed their reopening.
In Seoul, one instructor and one kindergarten student at an art academy in Gangseo-gu tested positive, leading seven elementary schools and four kindergartens to adjust their school reopening dates. Additionally, four elementary schools and kindergartens in nearby Yangcheon and Eunpyeong districts also delayed their reopening.
In Gyeongbuk, one academy instructor and one after-school kindergarten teacher in Gumi tested positive, and epidemiological investigations are underway. The Ministry of Education postponed the reopening dates for 181 kindergartens, elementary, and middle schools located in Gumi.
In Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, following a confirmed case of an elementary school teacher, multiple cases were reported at a Coupang logistics center, leading to the postponement of scheduled school reopening for all grades except for the third-year high school students. The schools affected include 125 kindergartens, 64 elementary schools, 32 middle schools, 28 high schools, and 2 special schools within the region.
The Ministry of Education announced that if confirmed COVID-19 cases occur ahead of the scheduled reopening on the 27th for second-year high school students, third-year middle school students, first and second graders in elementary school, and kindergarteners, they will proactively adjust the school days.
On the 26th, one day before in-person classes for 11th graders, 9th graders, and 1st and 2nd graders resumed, a teacher at Sindong Elementary School in Seocho-gu, Seoul, spaced out desks by one seat on each side as a social distancing measure and placed name tags in a 2nd-grade classroom. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
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