Kyochong: "Ministry of Education Should Provide School Quarantine Guidelines and Support"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations (KFTA) on the 4th urged the Ministry of Education to promptly present school quarantine guidelines and support quarantine measures in response to the Ministry's announcement to start in-person classes beginning with 12th graders.

In a press release on the same day, KFTA stated, "We respect the decision of the education and quarantine authorities to resume in-person classes," and added, "Please promptly provide detailed guidelines for each issue so that schools can focus on classes and academic operations without confusion, and take responsibility for supporting quarantine supplies and personnel."

KFTA said, "If matters such as class and meal methods, criteria and management of students showing COVID-19 symptoms, and responses to confirmed cases are left to schools' arbitrary judgment without unified guidelines, it could create gaps in quarantine and only increase the burden of complaints."

KFTA specifically pointed out that confusion is expected regarding whether teachers and students should wear masks during class, whether air conditioners can be used, and how meals should be provided. KFTA also demanded that the Ministry of Education prepare and provide schools with criteria for students showing COVID-19 symptoms and corresponding response manuals.

KFTA stated, "If the judgment of symptomatic individuals and step-by-step measures are unclear, confusion may arise," and emphasized, "Clear symptom criteria and response manuals must be presented."

KFTA said, "Please supply enough masks so they can be worn cleanly and support auxiliary personnel for temperature checks and management of symptomatic individuals."

KFTA added, "Schools and teachers, who should focus on education, should not be burdened with unlimited responsibility for infection prevention," and stressed, "At times like this, the government, Ministry of Education, and metropolitan and provincial offices of education must prioritize the voices from the field and devote all efforts to follow-up support so that schools can fill students' learning gaps and focus on education."

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