Due to the MERS scare ongoing in South Korea right now, school officials have announced suspension of classes for the coming week. In Gyeonggi-do, 413 kindergarten, 451 elementary, 218 middle and 160 high schools in the cities of Suwon, Yongin, Pyeongtaek, Anseong, Hwaseong, Osan and Bucheon will be close from June 8 to 12th. The 12 special schools in the province will also be closed.
In Seoul, only 69 kindergarten and 57 elementary schools in the districts of Gangnam and Seocho will close from June 8th to 10th, affecting more than 54,000 students. There are 25 districts in Seoul and ours is not included in the list where schools are suspended.
I’ve received emails/private messages from visitors about the situation in Seoul. Is it safe to travel here?
I’m not a health official but I do read the announcements from the CDC and WHO. As of June 7th, there are 64 confirmed cases of MERS and five deaths (with comorbidity). If you’re coming to Seoul this week, take precautions as advised by the CDC:
~ wash your hands frequently
~ avoid touching your face
~ use tissue when sneezing and throw it in the trash right away
~ go to the hospital if you have a fever, cough and experience shortness of breath
Also, boost your immune system by eating veggies and fruits, exercising and getting enough sleep.
I haven’t done anything extra from the usual things I do before this MERS scare. I still go to the supermarket, take the bus and ride the subway. I haven’t seen a lot of people wearing masks ~ perhaps two or three in a bus.
Find more information about MERS from the CDC.