Seoul Metropolitan Area Daycare Centers Closed from the 30th... Emergency Childcare Also Minimized

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), from the 30th, the 'Social Distancing Level 2.5' measure will be implemented in the Seoul metropolitan area, resulting in the closure of daycare centers in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon. Emergency childcare services will also be operated on a minimal scale.

On the 28th, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that daycare centers will be closed starting from the 30th, when enhanced quarantine measures are applied in the metropolitan area. Under the current 'Level 2 distancing,' daycare center closures were recommended, but with the upgrade to Level 2.5, closures become mandatory.

On the 18th, when the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases at Sarang Jeil Church exceeded 300 and the spread continued to additional places such as daycare centers, call centers, and military units, children were arriving at a daycare center in Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Under Level 2.5 conditions, emergency childcare must be operated only on necessary dates and times. If care is possible at home, attendance will be restricted, and only the minimum number of childcare teachers should be assigned within the daycare centers.

Special activities and outdoor activities at daycare centers are also prohibited. Group events and collective education must not be held regardless of the number of participants. Entry of outsiders into the facility is also prohibited. If outsiders must enter the facility for essential equipment repairs or water purifier filter replacements, entry is only allowed outside of childcare hours.

Regions outside the metropolitan area may also implement these measures depending on local conditions or the judgment of local government heads. Kim Woo-jung, Director of the Childcare Infrastructure Division at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated, "The COVID-19 situation is severe and serious, requiring all citizens to participate in quarantine and refrain from various activities," adding, "We ask that those who can care for children at home refrain from sending them to daycare centers to minimize the risk of infection among children."

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