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▲ Notice of 'Online Swimming Test' at Shanghai University, China


A university in Shanghai, China, has been criticized by local netizens for announcing that it will conduct an online practical exam for swimming subjects.



According to local media such as the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 25th local time, Shanghai University in China recently announced that it will replace the 50m (meter) swimming practice test online.



Some universities in China suggest 'completion of swimming courses' as a graduation requirement for 'survival skills' and 'improvement of physical abilities'.



The university also requires 'swimming course completion' as a graduation requirement, but it was announced that the subject test would be switched online in consideration of the spread of the corona virus.



The school said, "Bachelor's degree graduates are required to take the online swimming test by the 29th," and "We have taken these measures to ensure that the graduation process runs smoothly due to concerns about the spread of Corona."


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The news quickly went viral on Chinese social media with the hashtag "#Shanghai University Swimming Test Online Conversion".



Local netizens who saw this showed reactions such as "How can a theory test be like an actual swimming", "I was only told to surf the web", and "Are you asking me to swim in the bathtub?"



Some netizens satirize the university's measures by taking pictures as if they were taking a test while wearing a cap and goggles. It has become a topic of discussion.



As the controversy grew, the school explained, "This test is limited to this year's graduates, and is only a measure to respond to the COVID-19 situation."



Meanwhile, Shanghai health authorities have been implementing strict lockdown measures since the end of March to contain the spread of the coronavirus.



As the number of coronavirus cases in Shanghai has been declining below 500 every day, Shanghai Party Secretary Li Chang announced that he would lift the lockdown in June.



(Photo = Weibo)