Hong Kong coronavirus fourth wave: up to a third of pupils allowed to resume face-to-face classes after holiday, Education Bureau says

Currently just a sixth of a school’s student body can attend lessons in person

If schools want to have all students back in the classroom, they will have to ensure all staff are tested for the virus every two weeks, bureau says

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After the holiday break in the middle of this month, classes are set to resume for most schools on February 22. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 8:30pm, 3 Feb 2021Updated: 11:37pm, 3 Feb 2021

Up to a third of Hong Kong’s pupils will be allowed to resume face-to-face classes after the Lunar New Year holiday, but a full resumption will depend on whether schools are willing to get their staff tested regularly for Covid-19.

Currently, just a sixth of a school’s student body can attend lessons in the classroom under restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the virus. But with the daily caseload falling, the proportion could be increased to a third at all kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, special needs schools and tuition centres, the Education Bureau said on Wednesday. Classes, however, must be limited to half a day.

“We understand that schools and parents very much hope that students can have more time for face-to-face classes so that their learning opportunities will not be deprived and their social, physical and mental developments will not be hindered due to the prolonged fight against the epidemic,” it said.

The Education Bureau has allowed schools to have a small number of students return to the classroom to attend face-to-face classes. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

To pave the way for the resumption of classes for the whole student body, schools should arrange coronavirus testing for all staff every two weeks, the bureau added, with the first screenings completed at least 14 days beforehand. An application for having all students returning to school must be made to the bureau.

“According to health experts’ opinion, in addition to existing virus-prevention measures, testing is the key to avoiding any transmission, and regular testing of school staff will protect all teachers and students and create a safer environment,” the bureau said.

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