The Government announced today (November 12) that all kindergartens and kindergarten-cum-child care centres would start suspension of face-to-face classes and school activities for two weeks from this Saturday (November 14) until November 27 (Friday) owing to the outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infection.
The Education Bureau (EDB) will issue letters to schools to explain the measures and arrangements that schools should put in place during the period. Schools can use other modes to enable children to continue learning at home and help them maintain their curiosity and motivation for learning. On this, the EDB would like to remind schools and parents not to allow children prolonged use of digital screen gadgets. Children should also be reminded to take appropriate rest for their eyes when using the gadgets. Hence, in principle, e-learning in the form of real-time online teaching is not suitable for kindergartens. The EDB has issued a letter to all kindergartens on May 10 this year (www.edb.gov.hk/attachment/en/edu-system/preprimary-kindergarten/about-preprimary-kindergarten/KG%20Letter%20and%20Annex_E_20200511_Final.pdf) disseminating some principles and strategies to support kindergarten students to learn at home for schools' reference.
During the face-to-face class suspension, schools should remain open. Students who lack family care can go to schools if necessary. Schools should arrange for staff to be on duty to handle school affairs and parents' enquiries, and to look after any students who may arrive at school. Schools should also ensure that the school environment is clean and hygienic.
Parents should take measures to prevent influenza and pay attention to the health conditions of their children, and avoid bringing their children to visit crowded places with poor ventilation. Students should build good body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest. If students are feeling unwell (even if the symptoms may be very mild), they must not return to schools and should seek medical advice promptly to receive appropriate diagnoses and treatments.
The EDB will continue to keep close contact with the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health and provide timely support to schools.
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