Coronavirus: armed with masks, sanitiser, few of nearly 13,000 Hong Kong DSE candidates fail to see exam through on second day
- One student who ultimately went home given desk partition after vomiting in toilet, causing stir among candidates
- School officials urge those feeling unwell to stay away from exams in coming days, despite acknowledging importance of the results
The second day of Hong Kong’s delayed university entrance exams saw 14 students feel unwell enough that they could not take or finish their tests, including one sent to hospital for Covid-19 testing.
Some 13,000 students, including those with special needs, took tests on chemistry, combined science (chemistry) or integrated science at about 180 exam centres in secondary schools citywide, a much higher number than the 3,300 who sat for the visual arts exam the day before.
According to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, 10 sick students had reported themselves absent by Saturday at 3pm, while two others were barred from entering the exam centres due to signs of fever or acute respiratory infections. Two others left the centres midway through the exam after feeling unwell.
Education minister Kevin Yeung Yun-hung praised those who called in absent for safeguarding their own health and that of their fellow candidates as “responsible”.
“I wish them a speedy recovery, so that they can take the remaining exams,” he said.