Schools again delay new semester to reduce virus infections

SEOUL, March 2 (Yonhap) -- The government Monday instructed all kindergartens and elementary and secondary schools nationwide to again postpone the start of the spring semester, by two weeks, to protect students from the coronavirus outbreak as the number of underage patients has topped 200.

Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hae announced the second postponement of the start of the new school year in two weeks, as the nation reported 476 additional cases of COVID-19 in the morning, bringing the total to 4,212, including 201 minors.

Under the unprecedented instruction, all kindergartens and elementary, middle and high schools across the country will begin their new school year on March 23, three weeks later than initially planned.

The education ministry announced a one-week delay of the start date of the spring semester on Feb. 23, when the government raised its coronavirus alert to the highest level.

"The government has concluded that safe operations of schools will be difficult due to the surge in underage patients," Yoo said in a news conference.

According to government data, the number of underage patients surged by 37 persons in less than one day to reach 201 as of 10 a.m. Monday. That figure includes 169 persons aged between 10 and 19.

The rapid spread of the virus has raised fears of local infections at schools, prompting students and parents to ask for an additional rescheduling of the school calendar.

"The next two weeks are critical to curbing the growth of the coronavirus infections. Even after a downturn, one more week is needed to ensure a safe environment for students," Yoo said.

After March 23, the new semester's beginning date will be adjusted depending on the circumstances of each region, the minister said.

The ministry explained that the period of summer and winter vacations will be adjusted to make up for the three-week reduction in school days caused by the postponements.

ycm@yna.co.kr
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