Post LNY class arrangements set

February 3, 2021

Kindergartens, primary, secondary and tutorial schools can arrange students to return to campuses on a half-day basis after their Lunar New Year holidays, with the number of students capped at one-third of the total.

 

The Education Bureau made the announcement today, saying that the class arrangements were decided upon after taking into account the latest COVID-19 epidemic developments, expert advice and the preparedness of schools.

 

The bureau said it understands that schools and parents very much hope the students can have more time for face-to-face classes so that they will not be deprived of learning opportunities and their social, physical and mental development will not be hindered due to the prolonged fight against the epidemic.

 

It earlier arranged the COVID-19 Targeted Group Testing Scheme for all school staff and staff of special school boarding sections. Some schools have participated actively in the scheme.

 

Based on this experience, the bureau is of the view that if schools can arrange all teachers and staff to undergo regular virus testing once every two weeks, they will have the conditions to fully resume half-day face-to-face classes.

 

The schools concerned need to conduct and complete the tests within 14 days before the resumption of face-to-face classes and submit applications to the bureau. The arrangements are also applicable to tutorial schools.

 

The bureau will issue letters to inform schools of the detailed arrangements within days.

 

Before the full resumption of face-to-face classes, schools are reminded that they should implement measures to sustain students' learning at home through flexible use of various teaching modes.

 

During this period, schools should remain open to take care of those students who have to go back to school because of the lack of carers at home.

 

Schools should also arrange for staff to be on duty to handle school affairs, answer parents' enquiries and take care of those students who have returned to school. They should also ensure that the campus environment is clean and hygienic.

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