“All Daycares in Gwangju Region to Close from the 6th to Prevent COVID-19 Spread”

Emergency Care Implemented at 1,073 Locations in the District Until the 18th... Normal Attendance of Childcare Teachers Ensured

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Considering the rapid increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases in Gwangju Metropolitan City, the city has decided to fully close 1,073 daycare centers within the jurisdiction from the 6th to the 18th.

This decision was made to alleviate parents' concerns and minimize the spread of infection through daycare centers, as more than 50 COVID-19 confirmed cases have occurred in the area over the past five days, leading to a sharp increase in contacts.

However, the city plans to ensure that childcare teachers work normally and provide emergency childcare during the closure period to support families who find home care difficult, such as dual-income households, so that childcare is not disrupted.

Additionally, 29 institutions providing part-time childcare will operate normally.

Regardless of the closure status, if children attending daycare centers are absent due to parents' infection concerns, attendance will be recognized and full childcare fees will be supported. Special measures will also be recognized, such as supporting labor costs based on enrollment even if the number of children temporarily decreases.

Im Young-hee, head of the city's Maternity and Childcare Division, said, “Although no confirmed cases related to daycare centers have occurred so far, we decided to close them prioritizing the safety of infants and young children. Since the spread in the region is at a very serious stage, we ask that emergency childcare during the closure period be used only when absolutely necessary.”

Meanwhile, the regions where all daycare centers in the city and province are closed due to COVID-19 are Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Daejeon.

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