HK sees 73 new cases, no classes before Aug 17

HONG KONG – Classes of all Hong Kong schools, including international schools and kindergartens, would not commence before Aug 17, the city's education chief announced Monday.

The date for school commencement has not been decided yet in view of the worsening COVID-19 pandemic situation in the SAR, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said at a press briefing. The public would be informed when a decision is made and be given two weeks for preparation, he added.

The decision came as the city recorded 73 new COVID-19 infections on Monday, with 66 local transmissions and seven imported cases. The new cases brought the city's tally of confirmed cases to 1,958.

"We have to take health and safety of teachers and students as well as of the general public as prime consideration," Yeung said.

According to the secretary for education, special arrangement will likely to be made for cross-boundary students of Secondary 4 to 6 once the schools re-open. This is subject to more discussions with the mainland authorities, he added.

Such special arrangement, however, are unlikely to be made for those of Secondary 3 or junior classes at the beginning of the new school year, said Yeung. "We will work with schools to arrange home learning for these students, and provide necessary support," he added.

The Education Bureau will pay close attention to the pandemic situation, consult health experts and liaise with the school sector in determining the arrangement for the commencement of classes in the new school year, said Yeung.