Two-Digit COVID-19 Positive Students in a Row... Yoo Eun-hye Holds College Entrance Exam Inspection Meeting

14 Students on 15th → 12 on 16th → 14 on 17th
Schools Unable to Attend Increased by 10 Compared to Previous Day
Deputy Prime Minister "Number of Self-Quarantined Examinees May Increase"

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye (Provided by Ministry of Education)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] On the 18th, about two weeks before the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), 87 schools in 11 cities and provinces nationwide adjusted their in-person class days due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the Ministry of Education, the number of schools that adjusted their in-person class days increased by 10 from 77 the previous day. Twelve schools started in-person classes, while 22 schools began adjustments.

By region, 26 schools were in Seoul, 29 in Gyeonggi, and 1 in Incheon, with the metropolitan area accounting for 64%. There were 13 schools in Gyeongnam, 7 in Gangwon, and 3 each in Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam.

The number of student COVID-19 confirmed cases remained in double digits throughout this week. On the 17th, there were 14 cases, and with an additional 1 case on the 16th, the total rose to 884. The number of confirmed cases among faculty and staff also increased by 2 from the previous day, totaling 170.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye held a joint CSAT inspection meeting with metropolitan and provincial superintendents of education in the afternoon. Minister Yoo said, "So far, we have secured 120 hospital beds for confirmed examinees and 754 examination rooms for isolated examinees. Overall, there are about 33,000 CSAT examination rooms, which is about a 58% increase compared to last year, and we have secured about 12 more personnel for exam management, about a 30% increase from last year."

Considering the recent trend of infectious diseases, she also expressed concerns that the number of examinees notified for self-quarantine may increase. Minister Yoo said, "Please keep in mind the possibility that isolated examinees may increase more than expected, and from the 26th, one week before the CSAT, please finalize preparations such as exam site assignments."

The "CSAT Special Quarantine Period," which will operate from the 19th until the CSAT day on the 3rd of next month, was also mentioned. Minister Yoo said, "We have recommended refraining from face-to-face classes at academies and private tutoring centers starting one week before the CSAT. If confirmed cases occur at academies or private tutoring centers attended by examinees during the special quarantine period, the names of the academies will be disclosed." She also urged, "Please strictly follow daily quarantine rules for the next two weeks and refrain from group cheering or similar actions in front of the exam sites on the CSAT day."

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