Ministry of Health and Welfare Eases Closure of Childcare Centers for Confirmed Cases to 'Up to 14 Days'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 20th that it has revised the 'Response Guidelines for Childcare Centers in Preparation for COVID-19 Outbreaks,' easing the measure that mandated a two-week closure of childcare centers when a COVID-19 case was confirmed.

The new guidelines will take effect from the 23rd and stipulate that the closure period for childcare centers with confirmed cases should be determined within a maximum of 14 days. This aims to minimize the care gap caused by the closure of childcare centers. Previously, childcare centers were required to close for 14 days from the last attendance date of the confirmed case.

The revised guidelines also allow local governments to independently decide whether to close childcare centers in areas under Level 4 social distancing, considering the local outbreak situation. Currently, in Level 4 areas, the Minister of Health and Welfare issues closure orders, but going forward, local governments will be able to make flexible decisions based on the quarantine situation regardless of the distancing level.

Additionally, in Level 4 areas, while previously only essential childcare center staff were allowed limited access for outsiders, from now on, only individuals who have completed vaccination will be permitted entry.

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