Daycare Centers in the Seoul Metropolitan Area to Open on the 18th

Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon Lift COVID-19 Closure Restrictions

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Childcare centers in the Seoul metropolitan area, which had been closed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), will simultaneously reopen starting from the 18th.

Seoul City, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon City announced on the 4th that they will lift the closure orders for all childcare centers.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters lifted the nationwide closure of childcare centers in early June but extended the closure only in the Seoul metropolitan area and Daegu region. Daegu reopened childcare centers later on June 22, but the Seoul metropolitan area could not reopen due to high concerns about infection.

Since last month, voices emphasizing the need to reopen have increased in the childcare field. The emergency childcare utilization rate in Seoul and Gyeonggi, which was at the 10% level at the end of February, exceeded 80% in July. Due to difficulties in home care caused by dual-income families, there have been continuous demands for childcare programs and childcare centers to operate normally while complying with quarantine guidelines.

Although the closure orders at the city and provincial levels will be lifted, depending on the COVID-19 infection spread situation, separate closures or more strengthened quarantine guidelines may be implemented at the district level. Even after reopening childcare centers, quarantine guidelines must be followed when conducting special activities within the centers or when outsiders enter. Staff or enrolled children with suspected symptoms such as fever are prohibited from attending, and childcare staff must wear masks when children or outsiders come into contact during childcare hours. Childcare activities should, in principle, avoid direct physical contact and outdoor activities and be conducted focusing on individual play.