Govt orders thorough checking of schools to root out security risks

The State Council, or China's cabinet, issued an urgent circular on Monday, asking local education authorities across the country to comb schools to root out safety risks.

The circular was issued after a bloody attack in Chongqing wounded 14 kindergarten children on Friday morning. The children were on their way back to classrooms after morning exercise when a woman attacked them. The 39-year-old woman surnamed Liu has been taken into custody for investigation.

The incident shows that lack of awareness and precaution measures to ensure safety in many schools, said the State Council in an online statement.

It also said schools should enhance their facilities and personnel to guarantee safety. They are also asked to comb schools thoroughly with not even a corner overlooked to eradicate safety hazards. School bullying, school commuting, food safety and fire control should be key areas to be checked.

"Schools should organize emergency evacuation exercise regularly. Precautionary measures for emergency response should be in place for school gathering, class-break exercise, students' leaving after school and other big events and such activities should be strictly regulated and managed," the statement said, adding response should be quick to minimize the damage when accidents occur.

It said it will summon government officials and circulate notices of criticism in case of frequent occurrences of school accident in certain regions.