Prime Minister Jeong: "We Must Join Forces to Ensure Safe In-Person Classes"

"Strict Management of Youth Access to Coin Karaoke"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun urged on the 20th that "everyone must work together to ensure that in-person classes for high school seniors start safely without any deviation."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Sejong Complex that day, Prime Minister Chung said, "China and some European countries have already reopened schools, but we have applied strict standards regarding children's safety and approached this cautiously."

He added, "Local governments, the Ministry of Education, and school staff on the front lines have done their best to prepare a safe environment for in-person classes by improving quarantine conditions," and "Today as well, they remain on high alert to respond to any unexpected situations."

The Ministry of Education announced on the 11th that starting with high school seniors on this day, high school juniors, middle school third graders, elementary first and second graders, and kindergarteners will return on the 27th; high school freshmen, middle school second graders, and elementary third and fourth graders on the 3rd of next month; and finally, middle school first graders and elementary fifth and sixth graders will return on the 8th of next month in a phased manner.

Regarding the Itaewon cluster infection, Prime Minister Chung said, "The local infection that started in Itaewon has not ended, and risk factors still remain," and "The government will continue thorough epidemiological investigations and extensive diagnostic testing to detect confirmed cases early and isolate them."

He also emphasized, "Please consider measures to strictly control or discourage youth access to coin karaoke rooms, which served as a medium for the spread in this case."

In conclusion, Prime Minister Chung stated, "As individual blood donations have increased, the blood supply situation has somewhat improved. However, the blood shortage problem remains serious," and added, "The public sector will take the lead by setting an example."

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