Expert: "School Opening in April? Not Possible Now... Need to Prepare Response Measures"

"Significant Impact on Society... School Postponement Helps Prevent Infection"

On the 3rd, a 'Temporary Closure Order' notice was posted at the main gate of Isu Middle School in Seocho-gu. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] As the Ministry of Education announced that it will decide on April 31 whether to end the nationwide closure orders for elementary, middle, and high schools, an expert expressed concerns about regional transmission of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), stating, "Schools should not reopen at this time."

On the 27th, Professor Kim Hong-bin, an infectious disease specialist at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, said on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "Three things must be prepared quickly, and there must be readiness to respond accordingly."

Professor Kim explained, "Most students and young children who contract COVID-19 experience mild symptoms. One might think, 'Since there are few severe cases, it shouldn't be a big problem.' However, if infections occur among students, they return home to their families, including grandparents or other relatives with weakened immune systems or advanced age, which could result in fatal outcomes."

He continued, "Furthermore, if family members work in hospitals, nursing homes, or professions involving high-risk groups, additional problems may arise," emphasizing, "This is not simply a matter of whether students get infected or not, but because of the broader societal impact, delaying school reopening helps prevent the spread of infection."

He added, "There must be plans in place to prevent outbreaks within schools after reopening and to manage schools if cases occur," and "The healthcare system must be prepared to handle an increase in patients after schools reopen."

He concluded, "Once these three aspects are sufficiently prepared, schools can reopen."

Meanwhile, on the 27th, the Ministry of Education announced during a briefing on the 'Remote Class Operation Guidelines' that the decision on whether to end the closure orders for elementary, middle, and high schools will be made on April 31.

The Ministry stated, "We are gathering opinions on various options such as closure until April 6, resuming in-person classes, or extending closures," and added, "The Ministry of Education is leading consultations with experts, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters."

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