University Semester Start Delayed, but Elementary, Middle, and High Schools Are Inconsistent... "Why Aren't We Doing It?"

Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Other High-Risk Infection Areas Close Nearly 400 Locations Nationwide
Remaining Schools Still in Confusion... "Government Must Establish Uniform Standards"

On the 3rd, amid growing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, students at Bongeun Elementary School in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, are attending school wearing masks. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), nearly 400 kindergartens and elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide have postponed the start of the semester or temporarily closed. As more schools close, parents' anxiety is increasing with questions like "Why isn't our school closing?" and "Is it safe to keep attending school?" After news spread that universities are delaying their semester start, there are even demands to adjust the March semester schedules for elementary, middle, and high schools.

According to the Ministry of Education on the 6th, as of the previous day, 8,474 kindergartens and elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide, accounting for 41.5% of the total, have completed the 2019 academic calendar. Meanwhile, 1,557 schools, or 7.6%, are either still on winter break, have postponed the semester start, or have temporarily closed. The remaining 10,409 schools, or 50.9%, are operating normally. Since this ratio is almost half, confusion is arising among parents.

Until the 28th of last month, the government stated that academic operations would proceed normally and that a "uniform closure" was not being considered. However, as confirmed cases surged and third-generation infections appeared, the situation rapidly changed. On the 2nd, guidelines were finalized allowing superintendents of education in infection-risk areas to decide on school closures after consulting with the Minister of Education (following review and approval by the Ministry of Education).

Accordingly, the Gunsan Education Support Office of Jeonbuk Education Office and the Suwon and Bucheon Education Support Offices of Gyeonggi Education Office ordered all kindergartens and schools in their jurisdictions to close for one to two weeks each, and the Seoul Education Office ordered 42 schools in Jungnang and Seongbuk districts to close on the 5th. This explains why the number of kindergartens and schools closed nationwide, which was only about 70 as of the 31st of last month, increased to 372 on the 4th and 5th, and is expected to reach 400 on the 6th. On that day, Cho Hee-yeon, Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, who visited an elementary school in Seoul, said, "Schools judged to be at risk due to proximity to confirmed coronavirus patients' movement paths have been decisively closed," adding, "We will implement 'localized closures' comprehensively going forward."

However, there are still complaints that confusion is worsening because the remaining schools are left to decide on closures at the discretion of each principal. There are calls for the Ministry of Education and education offices to establish clear criteria and make swift decisions, and to actively consider reducing the required number of school days for closures and temporary suspensions.

A representative from the Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations stated, "For example, in the current emergency situation, even basic supplies necessary for school quarantine management, such as masks and disinfectants, are quickly running out and are difficult to secure additionally due to shortages. Rather than each school ordering through vendors, a system should be established at the Ministry of Education and metropolitan/provincial education offices level to secure supplies in bulk through manufacturers and distributors and provide stable support," adding, "Similarly, regarding the number of school days and closures, unified and consistent administrative standards should be prepared and supported by the government and education authorities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.