Government announces whole-school resumption of half-day face-to-face class arrangements

     The Education Bureau (EDB) today (May 11) announced whole-school resumption of half-day face-to-face class arrangements for all kindergartens (KGs) as well as primary and secondary schools with effect from May 24 (Monday).
 
     A spokesman for the EDB said, "The EDB, taking into account the latest developments of the pandemic, advice of health experts and preparedness of schools, has decided that after the completion of the 2021 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, all KGs, primary and secondary schools (including special schools and schools offering a non-local curriculum) as well as private schools offering a non-formal curriculum (commonly known as "tutorial schools") may fully resume face-to-face classes. The classes will be on a half-day basis with effect from May 24 (Monday) to avoid students eating out for lunch.
 
     The spokesman continued, "For secondary schools, schools can arrange for all students to attend face-to-face classes or take examinations either in the morning or in the afternoon for no more than a half day, and that they should not arrange for students to attend face-to-face classes for a whole day. For primary schools, schools can arrange for all students to attend face-to-face classes or take examinations in the morning only, for no more than a half day. For KGs, those operating morning sessions/afternoon sessions can arrange for students to return to school for half-day lessons in the morning/afternoon respectively. KGs operating whole-day sessions can arrange for students to attend face-to-face classes either in the morning or in the afternoon for no more than a half day. The EDB will issue a letter to inform schools of the detailed arrangements.
    
     "The EDB is thankful to schools for putting in place the epidemic preventative measures properly. Following the Government's launch of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the EDB encourages teachers and staff of schools to get vaccinated so as to protect the health of themselves, staff and students of schools as well as the community, and help all to return to normal life early. Moreover, we encourage teachers and staff of schools to take regular virus tests so as to create a safer learning environment for students."
 
     The EDB reminds schools to get well prepared for whole-school resumption of half-day face-to-face classes and implement all the required anti-epidemic measures as stipulated in the earlier updated "Health Protection Measures for Schools" issued by the EDB and the "Health Advice to Schools for the Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)" issued by the Centre for Health Protection. Meanwhile, parents should continue taking precautionary measures for COVID-19 as well as pay close attention to the health conditions of their children. They should avoid taking their children to crowded places with poor ventilation. Students should maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and take adequate rest in order to strengthen their immunity. If students are feeling unwell (even if the symptoms are very mild), they should seek medical advice promptly to receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.