The 'Youth Quarantine Pass' Announced for This Year... Ministry of Education Says It May Be Announced Early Next Year

Ministry of Education "Consulting with Various Organizations, Will Announce Summary as Soon as Possible"
If Implemented Without Changes in February Next Year, Vaccinations Must Be Completed by Today
Second Dose Completion Rate for Ages 12-17 Stands at 46.8%

On the 13th, when the mandatory implementation of the quarantine pass began, a notice for quarantine pass verification was posted at the entrance of Yonsei University Central Library in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. From this day forward, if quarantine passes are not verified at restaurants, cafes, and other establishments, fines will be imposed on both users and operators. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Ministry of Education has announced that it may be difficult to release the improved plan for the youth quarantine pass (vaccination certificate and negative test confirmation system), which will be implemented in February next year.

On the 27th, during the regular briefing, the Ministry of Education stated, "The youth quarantine pass applied to academies and study rooms is being discussed with various related organizations, and the government will organize and announce its position as quickly as possible," adding, "The announcement could be made by the end of the year or early next year; the possibility is open."

The government announced that starting in February, the quarantine pass will be expanded to those under 18 years old who use academies, study rooms, and study cafes. In response to strong opposition from the academy industry, youth, and parents, the government is currently preparing improvement measures related to the implementation of the quarantine pass.

If implemented as originally planned from February next year, youths under 18 who want to use the quarantine pass must complete their vaccinations by today. Although the government promised to announce the improvement plan within the year, the delay in the announcement timing has caused confusion among parents and students.

Regarding this, a Ministry of Education official explained, "Rapid consultations with related organizations and ministries are necessary, and discussions are ongoing through various channels," adding, "We will quickly organize and announce the government's position regarding the timing as well."

As of midnight on the 26th, the first dose vaccination rate for COVID-19 among 12-17-year-olds is 69.4%, and the second dose rate is 46.8%. The completion rates for the first and second doses among 16-17-year-olds are 83.3% and 70.7%, respectively. For 12-15-year-olds, the first and second dose rates are 62.7% and 35.2%, respectively.

From last week through this week (27th to 31st), about half of the schools nationwide are starting their vacations. This week, 42.6% of elementary schools, 45.7% of middle schools, and 47.9% of high schools begin their vacations. After the first week of January, 26.7% of elementary schools, 40.9% of middle schools, and 27.2% of high schools will start their vacations.

More than 60% of elementary and middle schools do not have spring break and operate vacations until March, while about 30% finish their winter vacation and reopen between January 24 and February 7.

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