Editorial | Hong Kong schools can stay open in safe environment amid Covid-19 pandemic

The importance of a safe learning environment cannot be overstated as the academic year opens for the third time under the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic.

With infection numbers spiralling to nearly 10,000 a day, the education sector is being put to the test again. The government must work closely with schools to manage health risks and minimise disruptions to students’ lives.

Revised guidelines by the Education Bureau have sought to strike a balance. While half-day face-to-face classes will continue to be the norm, teachers and students have been told to carry out rapid tests for two days before opening tomorrow.

This essentially screens out infected teachers and students and stops them from entering campus. Full-day learning will be allowed in November at schools where more than 90 per cent of students have had three jabs. Those who take part in non-academic school activities must also have had three jabs starting from October.

Education minister Christine Choi Yuk-lin has not ruled out reviewing face-to-face teaching and other school activities should the daily caseload hit 10,000.

While health risks in a school environment cannot be ignored, there are good reasons not to suspend classes again. Even though youngsters may somehow manage to keep up with their studies via Zoom or other online tools, the effectiveness of such methods is still a matter of debate.