It’s the first time the test has ever been postponed to as late as December.
The pandemic gave health authorities and the Ministry of Education no choice but to push it back for the safety of the roughly 500-thousand students sitting it.
Even with the unprecedented delay, Education Minister, Yoo Eun-hae, is concerned the testing centers could be possible superspreader locations.
On Thursday, she urged everyone in society to get on board with the prevention measures.
“The government alone can’t prevent an outbreak during the biggest test of the year for 490-thousand people. It can only succeed with the help of everybody.
The minister asked households that have a student taking the test to socially distance until the day of the test as there’s a higher chance of the virus spreading among family members.
But she stressed that everyone is responsible for social distancing.
“I ask everyone to put themselves in the shoes of the students’ parents and refrain from social activities for a week.”
Given the situation, the government has increased the number of testing centers, 50-percent more than last year, so students can safely distance.
Students who have to self-isolate will take the test in separate rooms.
The minister also said the government will make sure students won’t be deprived of their chance to take the test even if they have contracted the virus or have to go into quarantine.
Kim Yeon-seung, Arirang News.
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