Explainer | Hong Kong has changed Covid-19 vaccination requirements for schools as new term starts. Here’s what you need to know
- Secondary schools can hold full-day, in-person classes only if at least 90 per cent of students have had three Covid-19 shots
- Most secondary schools should be able to comply, but primary ones are less likely to do so
Hong Kong education authorities have adjusted the vaccination requirements for schools, as students return to campuses on Thursday amid a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in the fifth wave.
The Post breaks down the new vaccine requirements from the city’s education authorities.
1. What are the latest vaccination requirements for schools?
Under the new requirements, secondary schools are only allowed to hold full-day, face-to-face classes if 90 per cent of their students are vaccinated with three Covid-19 shots before November 1.
The same rule will also be applied to secondary and primary school students from October 1 if they want to participate in after-school extracurricular activities such as music, sports or team training.
This measure will also be applied to participants of some mask-off activities, which include playing woodwind instruments, football or basketball.
Education authorities said students in primary school and kindergarten would not be allowed to hold whole-day, face-to-face classes for the time being. This is because of their young age, low self-care ability and relatively low vaccination rates for those aged between three and 11 years.