Lifting Academy Operation Restrictions Leads to Loophole Practices... Health Authorities Struggle
[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina Cho] As restrictions on academy operations were eased to allow operation until 9 PM for groups of 9 or fewer in metropolitan cities, numerous cases of illicit operations have emerged, causing headaches for quarantine authorities. In some cases, dozens of students gathered in narrow classrooms without ventilation to attend classes, and meals with a high risk of droplet (saliva) transmission were also being provided.
At the regular briefing held on the 9th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters revealed cases of illegal academy operations reported through the Safety Report Center operated by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Previously, the government allowed academies in the metropolitan area, where operation was prohibited under the current social distancing level, to operate until 9 PM if the number of students attending classes at the same time was 9 or fewer.
One cram academy reportedly changed its business type to a study cafe and operated the facility while conducting classes in an environment crowded with about 60 students, also providing meals in the evening.
Another academy was reported to have informed students that classes were held at separate academies, but in reality, classes were conducted for more than 9 students in the same space.
At one martial arts academy, about 80 people reportedly gathered every weekend to dance. They also sold beverages to academy students. Another dance academy divided 23 students into classes of 5 to 9 students in the same space and used the changing room simultaneously.
One language academy was reported to operate an English camp where about 30 students gathered in classrooms after 9 PM to attend classes.
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Im Suk-young, the Situation General Manager of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, said, "As restrictions on academy operations in the metropolitan area have recently been eased, cases of illicit operations have increased," and urged, "Please strictly follow quarantine rules to prevent group infections and block their spread."
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