Gwangju Elementary, Middle, and High Schools Suspend In-Person Classes on 2nd and 3rd... Transition to Remote Learning

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Elementary, middle, and high schools in Gwangju have decided to suspend in-person classes for two days on the 2nd and 3rd. This measure comes in response to the continuous spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the evening of the 1st, the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education made this decision after consultations with the Ministry of Education, Gwangju city, and health authorities. From the 6th to the 15th, a method to reduce student density during attendance will be applied.

For elementary and middle schools, about one-third of all students will attend school daily during this period, while for high schools, about two-thirds of all students will attend. Students who do not attend in person will participate in remote classes.

Kindergartens attached to elementary schools will also switch to remote classes on the 2nd and 3rd. However, public single-kindergartens and private kindergartens will operate normally.

For large academies with more than 300 students, administrative measures restricting gatherings and recommending suspension of facility operations from the 2nd to the 15th have been implemented.

Academies with fewer than 300 students have also been asked to refrain from operating facilities as much as possible.

If operation is unavoidable, all attendees are requested to strictly follow quarantine rules such as wearing masks, checking body temperature, maintaining visitor logs, keeping a certain distance between people, and disinfecting facilities.

The city education office especially urged students to thoroughly conduct self-diagnosis and temperature checks before attending school.

Superintendent Jang Hwikuk stated, "We have decided to reduce student density during attendance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community and to protect the safety of school members. We will thoroughly prepare to ensure that the curriculum combining in-person and remote classes proceeds without disruption and will make every effort to maintain quarantine measures."