Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don: "It is the citizens' demand. Please close the facilities."
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jonghyo] Mayor Oh Keo-don of Busan strongly urged private academies in the Busan area to temporarily close.
On the 5th, Mayor Oh stated on Facebook, "The start of the school year for elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as daycare centers and kindergartens, has been postponed, and universities are also experiencing extended closures." He added, "It is truly regrettable, but these are unprecedented decisions made for the life and safety of our citizens. Everyone can feel it firsthand, but the current situation is that serious."
He continued, "In this crisis situation, various demands and interests collide and priorities are set. Economic revitalization and quarantine measures sometimes conflict, and individual private interests clash with public interests." He expressed concern, saying, "The most striking scene of this conflict is appearing in the private academy districts where our children currently stay."
He emphasized, "There are parents who want their children to study at academies since schools are closed, students who anxiously want to attend academies, and academy owners trying to operate their businesses despite the difficult economic situation. However, the interest we must prioritize above all now is the safety of our entire society."
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Mayor Oh also argued that the places where 'social distancing' must be practiced more than anywhere else are the academy districts. He said, "In one academy in Busan, five people including students, parents, instructors, and the academy owner have been confirmed as COVID-19 cases." He added, "The city government does not have the authority to force private academies to close. However, the strongest enforcement power beyond the city's authority is the demand of the citizens. Please close temporarily. At least close until elementary, middle, and high schools reopen," strongly urging cooperation from private academies in the region.
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