PM directs education ministry to consider expanding in-person classes

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun directed the education ministry Saturday to consider expanding in-person classes in the new semester.

Schools here mostly offered remote learning or limited physical attendance last year to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"This year should be somewhat different," Chung said at a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in Seoul.

"The Ministry of Education is directed to consult with the health authorities and prepare ways to conduct classes in the new semester and prevent infections in schools," he said.

Chung cited data that showed relatively low risks of infection in schools and the growing side effects of remote learning among children and parents.

"There are concerns about a widening learning gap due to the prolonged remote classes and that the burden of taking care of children among parents is increasing."

"Also worrisome is the possible lack of socializing and depression among students who have not met their friends for a long time," he noted.

Chung mentioned a World Health Organization report that children and teenagers have a lower COVID-19 infection rate than adults and show milder or no symptoms when infected.

"Research shows that if the level of community transmission is not serious, and anti-infection rules are observed appropriately, schools are unlikely to be a major factor in the spread of COVID-19," he added. (Yonhap)