Preventing the Spread of Novel Coronavirus... Ministry of Education Allows Reduction of School Days for Elementary, Middle, and High Schools

Reduction Possible Until the 19th
Not Considered a Natural Disaster

On the 3rd, amid growing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, Principal Hansang Yoon of Bongeun Elementary School in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, is checking the temperature of students arriving at school. Photo by Mun Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] As the number of schools closing to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) increases, the Ministry of Education has decided to allow a reduction in the number of school days for these schools.

On the 7th, the Ministry of Education announced that it sent an official letter to the 17 metropolitan and provincial offices of education nationwide, stating that if schools in areas at risk of novel coronavirus infection cannot meet the required number of school days due to closures, a reduction in school days will be permitted.

The reduction in school days will be decided based on the judgment of the metropolitan/provincial superintendents of education and school principals, and the Ministry of Education will be consulted.

According to the Enforcement Decree of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, elementary, middle, high schools, and special schools must secure at least 190 school days annually. However, based on the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act and related laws, the number of school days may be reduced by up to one-tenth (19 days) if necessary for curriculum operation.

The Ministry of Education also allowed a reduction in school days during the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in June 2015.

An official from the Ministry of Education stated, "It is completely untrue that the novel coronavirus has been classified as a natural disaster," adding, "We will cooperate with metropolitan and provincial offices of education and schools to promote infectious disease prevention and control efforts, and through this, strive to minimize anxiety among students and parents."

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