Confirmed COVID-19 Case in Gangseo District Academy Instructor with 100 Students... Nearby Elementary School Suspends Attendance

Many Elementary Students, Preschoolers, and Kindergarteners Among Enrolled Students Confirmed
Nearby Elementary School and Affiliated Kindergarten Also Under Emergency School Closure

An elementary school in Jongno-gu, Seoul, temporarily closed on the afternoon of March 2nd to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The photo is unrelated to any specific expressions in the article. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] An instructor at an art academy in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The academy has over 100 students enrolled, including many elementary school children, toddlers, and preschoolers, raising concerns among nearby parents ahead of the partial reopening for some elementary and kindergarten students scheduled for the 27th.

According to Seoul city on the 24th, a man in his 20s identified as A, who works as an instructor at an art academy in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, tested positive for COVID-19 that day. The academy sent an urgent message to students advising them to "wear masks and stay at home until contacted by the health center."

A resides in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, and has been classified as the 31st confirmed case in Yeongdeungpo-gu. He was tested at the Yeongdeungpo-gu Health Center on the 23rd and received a positive diagnosis the following day. A showed suspected symptoms such as headaches starting from the 21st and was confirmed to have worked at the art academy until 7 p.m. on the 22nd.

The art academy where A worked currently employs six instructors and has about 100 students, including elementary school children, toddlers, and preschoolers. The academy is scheduled to be closed for the next two weeks.

Given the situation, some parents in the nearby area have expressed anxiety. With a teacher who instructs elementary students testing positive just before the reopening, there are concerns that this could lead to infections within schools.

Nearby Gongjin Elementary School and its affiliated kindergarten in Seoul posted an "Emergency School Attendance Suspension Notice" on their official website on the 24th.

In the notice, the school stated, "We have received news of a COVID-19 positive case involving an instructor at a nearby academy. After urgent consultations with the Education Support Office and related agencies, we have decided to suspend attendance for all students, including kindergarteners and those in care and emergency care, on the 25th."

They added, "The school gates will remain closed on the 25th, so all students, including kindergarteners, should participate in remote classes from home. We will provide further guidance on attendance for care and emergency care students after consulting with related agencies based on the situation."

Eun-Hye Yoo, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, is announcing support measures for school sites related to quarantine activities at the government Seoul office briefing room on the afternoon of the 24th. / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, the government plans to proceed with the reopening for second-year high school students, third-year middle school students, first- and second-grade elementary students, and kindergarteners as scheduled on the 27th.

On the afternoon of the 24th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye stated at a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office, "The reopening will proceed as planned on the 27th. For areas with high risks of community infection, we will strongly recommend academic operations such as alternating weeks or days by grade to ensure that the number of students attending does not exceed two-thirds of the total."

She continued, "We will secure additional support personnel and spaces to provide seamless elementary care services to reduce the childcare burden on parents. We will also deploy 30,000 support personnel, including retired teachers, part-time instructors, and after-school program instructors."

Additionally, the Ministry of Education plans to recognize attendance for students who study at home without attending school due to parental concerns about infection.

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