Nationwide Social Distancing Raised to Level 2... Ministry of Education "From the 26th, School Attendance Limited to One-Third"

Nationwide Implementation of Enhanced Density Minimization Measures

Reducing Kindergartens and Elementary/Middle Schools by One-Third

High Schools and Special Schools Limited to Two-Thirds or Less

Eun-Hye Yoo, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, is delivering opening remarks at the 'Metropolitan and Provincial Offices of Education Video Conference' held on the 19th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Following the nationwide elevation to social distancing level 2, from the 26th, regions outside the Seoul metropolitan area must maintain kindergarten and elementary/middle school density at one-third or less, and high school density at two-thirds or less.

On the 22nd, the Ministry of Education held an emergency 32nd School Attendance Promotion Team meeting as the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters raised social distancing to level 2 nationwide.

The Ministry of Education guided that regions outside the metropolitan area also implement strengthened density minimization measures according to the academic operation methods for each distancing level. The metropolitan area has already been implementing enhanced density minimization measures, while non-metropolitan areas were adjusting attendance numbers according to the recommended two-thirds limit. With the elevation of the distancing level, non-metropolitan areas must now maintain kindergarten and elementary/middle school density at one-third, and high schools at two-thirds or less. Special schools should also maintain density at about two-thirds, but decisions can be made based on local and school conditions.

When density is reduced, most students who cannot attend school will receive remote classes at home. To minimize confusion among schools and parents, the schedule will be applied starting from the 26th.

The Ministry of Education urged, "Please carry out proactive measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as school density control and strengthened academy inspections, and make efforts to ensure care and basic academic skills."

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