Hong Kong education chief reveals he apologised to some kindergarten heads over letter about new mask law
- Kevin Yeung was grilled by lawmakers from across the political divide over issues both in and outside schools over recent months
- Education Bureau had sent out letter to all schools, including kindergartens, reminding pupils not to wear masks
Hong Kong’s education chief revealed on Friday he apologised to some kindergarten principals over a letter his bureau sent out when the mask law was enacted last month, after coming under fire from lawmakers.
Kevin Yeung Yun-hung’s admission came at a meeting of the Legislative Council’s education panel, as lawmakers from across the political divide grilled him on issues both in and outside schools over the past few months.
Some lawmakers raised concerns over the letter issued by the Education Bureau to all schools, including kindergartens, on the day the mask law came into effect. The law, which bans facial coverings at public assemblies, was enacted in a bid to stop violence at anti-government protests that have gripped the city for almost five months.
The letter asked schools to remind students not to wear masks – both on campus and also outside school – unless it was for health or religious reasons. It said it was not normal to cover one’s face in interpersonal communications.
Parents were asked in a reply slip attached to the letter, which they needed to sign, to advise their children “not to participate in chaotic, dangerous or illegal activities”.