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SCMP Editorial

If any reminders are needed of the lingering threats from the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic, precautionary health measures taken for the coming public examinations are one.
The Diploma of Secondary Education examinations will be held under the shadow of the coronavirus for the fourth year running.
Even though restrictions are relatively less stringent than previously, pupils may still feel pressured and inconvenienced.
Despite the lifting of the mask mandate earlier this month, facial coverings will remain mandatory for all candidates. They will also need to check their body temperature and sign a health declaration form before entering the exam hall.
Unlike last year when it was mandatory for all to undergo a rapid antigen test, only those who show signs of having a fever will be required to do so.
In such cases, those who earlier tested negative should take a photo of their results for the record, because they may be asked to show them at the venue.
Authorities said such arrangements took into account how exam results would have a significant impact on the prospects of youngsters, and the measures had been adopted after discussions with schools.
But, coming after the scrapping of most Covid curbs, the arrangements may appear too cautious.
All students sitting Hong Kong’s university entrance exams must wear masks
This is especially so when schools have largely returned to normal and follows a recent decision to lift the rapid test requirement for those visiting public hospitals and care homes.
Concern has been raised as to whether the mask mandate and heath declaration will trouble candidates. While youngsters arguably became used to such measures when face-to-face classes resumed, reinstating them now as part of exam arrangements is quite a different matter.
Authorities have decided that those who test positive on the day will have to go to a designated centre in Kowloon to sit their exams.
Even though this may be an improvement on last year when infected candidates were sent to the quarantine centre at Penny’s Bay, fears of being subject to such an arrangement may only add to the pressure.
Pupils have been struggling to cope with disruptions to their studies over the past few years, and it is to be hoped that restrictions will no longer be required.


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Hong Kong

Another testing time for exam hopefuls

Students have their identity check for the Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) English examination at Tsuen Wan Wong Siu Ching Secondary School. Photo: SCMP / Xiaomei Chen

All students taking Hong Kong’s university entrance exams must wear masks while Covid-positive candidates will go to designated centres

Despite the city having lifted all social-distancing measures, candidates sitting the Diploma of Secondary Education will observe pandemic rules. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority will prepare designated centres for candidates who test positive for Covid. Photo: handout

Coronavirus: Hong Kong to drop daily rapid antigen test requirement for all pupils from Thursday

Kindergartens and primary school pupils will no longer be required to undergo daily RAT tests from Thursday. Photo: Elson Li

Authorities introduced the daily RAT requirement for schools last April. Photo: Winson Wong

Primary school pupils returning to full-day classes. Photo: Elson Li

Opinion

Comment

Diploma of Secondary Education candidates in Hong Kong will, for the fourth year running, face Covid rules that can only increase the pressure on them


Diploma of Secondary Education candidates in Hong Kong will, for the fourth year running, face Covid rules that can only increase the pressure on them.


Coronavirus Hong Kong

Education in Hong Kong

HKDSE - Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

National education in Hong Kong

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Editorial | Another testing time for exam hopefuls

Diploma of Secondary Education candidates in Hong Kong will, for the fourth year running, face Covid rules that can only increase the pressure on them