Concerns Rise Over School Attendance Amid COVID Spread... Yoo Eun-hye Says "Judging Based on Multiple Possibilities"

Eunehye Yoo, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyo-jin] Yoo Eun-hye, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, posted on Facebook on the 10th, expressing her intention to "carefully consider various possibilities" regarding the potential postponement of in-person classes starting in three days for high school seniors (Grade 12).

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo said, "I understand that many people, including teachers and parents, are deeply concerned due to infections related to the Itaewon clubs occurring just days before the start of in-person classes for Grade 12," and added, "The government is also discussing various matters, including the level of risk, based on epidemiological investigation results."

She emphasized, "The principle that student safety is the top priority remains unchanged," and stated, "We are currently consulting with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, and metropolitan and provincial offices of education."

Park Neung-hoo, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at the regular briefing that day, "Since the epidemiological investigation related to the Itaewon clubs is still in its early stages, it is difficult to immediately decide on the school attendance schedule," and added, "We will be able to make a comprehensive judgment after reviewing the epidemiological investigation results over the next two to three days."

Kindergartens and elementary, middle, and high schools are scheduled to begin in-person classes starting with Grade 12 on the 13th, with approximately one-week intervals. On the 20th, Grades 11, 9, 1?2, and kindergarten will attend; on the 27th, Grades 10, 8, and 3?4; and on the 1st of next month, Grade 7 and 5?6 are scheduled to attend in person.

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