LettersHong Kong third wave: why walking to school may not work for all

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Hong Kong schools are resuming face-to-face classes in two stages, on September 23 and September 29. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 6:30am, 23 Sep 2020Updated: 6:30am, 23 Sep 2020

I’m writing in response to the article, “Educator says students should walk to school to avoid Covid-19 risks” (September 21).

Although walking to school can lower the risk of students having to take crowded public transport, like the bus or the MTR, it is impracticable.

First, as classes resume, students have to take all their books back to school. Some students, especially those in primary school, usually do not have lockers which means they always have to carry a heavy bag to and from school every day. I don’t think a 30-to-45-minute journey is a short one, especially when lugging a load of books and given the health warnings on how heavy school bags can cause shoulder, neck and back injuries.

Besides, to conform with anti-epidemic measures and for our own safety, everyone has to wear a mask even when outdoors. Walking long distances will no doubt lead to sweaty masks which will increase students’ discomfort at school. Some might also choose to take their masks off on their walk to school, increasing their risk of contracting the virus.

So, given the ground realities, even if walking to school could somewhat help lower infection risks, it is not fully feasible. It would be better if schools focused on educating students on hygiene inside and outside school.

Ivy Fung, Kwai Chung