Yoo Eun-hye: "Support Rapid Testing for Students Before School in 4 Regions Dominated by Omicron"

Ministry of Education Orders Flexible Academic Operations for Schools with Mid-Term Reopening
Rapid Testing Support in Pyeongtaek and Anseong, Gyeonggi, Jeonnam, and Gwangju

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] About 40% of elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide have started mid-term reopening. As COVID-19 cases surge, rapid testing is being supported in four regions where the Omicron variant is dominant, and dormitory schools are introducing rapid antigen tests using self-diagnosis kits.

On the 27th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye held the 25th School Daily Recovery Support Group meeting with deputy superintendents from 17 metropolitan and provincial offices of education to discuss responses to the spread of the Omicron variant and academic operation plans for February and the new semester.

The Ministry of Education has ordered schools attending classes in January and February to operate flexible academic schedules, including staggered attendance, remote classes, shortened class hours, and remote or class-unit graduation ceremonies, to minimize risks before the new semester attendance.

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo urged, "From late January, about 4,730 schools nationwide (38%) will conduct educational activities for about two weeks. For schools attending classes in January and February, please operate academic schedules flexibly, including shortened or remote classes."

The Ministry of Education will support rapid testing for schools scheduled to attend classes in early February in four regions where the Omicron variant is dominant (Pyeongtaek and Anseong in Gyeonggi Province, Jeonnam, and Gwangju). Dormitory schools attending classes in February will conduct rapid antigen tests using self-diagnosis kits before and during weekdays after admission.

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo said, "We will support rapid testing in cooperation with local governments in the four regions nationwide where the Omicron variant is dominant. Especially in these four regions, due to the changed testing system, only high-risk groups can receive PCR tests at public health centers, which may cause confusion among students and parents, so please provide detailed information related to this."

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo also requested guidance on the effectiveness and necessity of vaccination and information on reporting adverse reactions.

She stated, "The incidence rate among those under 19 years old has increased to nearly 30% of confirmed cases, while the incidence rate among those over 60, who have a high rate of additional vaccination, is significantly low. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect health, and education offices and schools should sincerely provide related information to students and parents."