Seoul Middle and High Schools Remote Classes from 7th to 18th... Kindergarten and Elementary Schools Maintain In-Person Attendance

Seoul Education Office Announces Emergency Academic Measures to Prevent COVID-19 Spread
Rapid Increase in COVID-19 Cases and Weekend University Exams Impact
Superintendent Jo Urges "Refrain from Going Out and Always Wear Masks"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) exceeds 600 and university-specific exams are being held immediately, all middle and high schools in Seoul will switch to full remote classes for two weeks starting from the 7th. Elementary schools will maintain the current attendance plan with a density of one-third or less.

On the 4th, Cho Hee-yeon, Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, held a briefing at the Seoul Education Office for urgent academic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, stating, "We judged that preemptive measures are necessary to safely conduct the remaining academic schedule and university-specific exams."

From Monday the 7th to the 18th, all middle and high schools in Seoul will switch to remote classes. However, principals may allow attendance only when time is needed for specialized high school and late general high school entrance exams and for conducting final exams of middle and high schools.

Kindergartens and elementary schools can have attendance within the principle of one-third density according to social distancing level 2, and up to two-thirds maximum. Superintendent Cho explained, "Kindergartens have a high care ratio, and the cases of individual activities after dismissal are significantly lower compared to other school levels."

Superintendent Cho urged, "Examinees, please refrain from going out to protect your health, wear masks on the day of university-specific exams, and do your best in quarantine. We ask guardians to refrain from accompanying unless absolutely necessary."

He continued, "It is expected that 600,000 people will move during the two weeks of university-specific exams such as essay tests, interviews, and practical exams. Although essays and interviews are concentrated in December, we ask all citizens to participate in social distancing with the heart of an examinee’s parent until February 5th next year, when the practical exams for the third group end."