Vaccine bubble to cover schools

January 20, 2022

The Education Bureau announced that the vaccine bubble will be implemented in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, as well as tutorial schools from February 24. The arrangement does not apply to students.

 

From February 24, all teaching and non-teaching staff, people providing on-campus services and school visitors will be required to present vaccination records of at least the first COVID-19 vaccine dose prior to their entry into school premises.

 

The bureau stressed that apart from those who are exempted, under no circumstances should any unvaccinated staff employed by the schools be allowed to perform teaching or other duties online or off-campus during the periods when face-to-face classes are not suspended.

 

The school management has the responsibility to take action in respect of staff disciplinary matters in accordance with the Employment Ordinance and the Codes of Aid.

 

In addition, teachers and school staff directly employed by schools who have received only one dose should receive the second dose before April 21. Schools should clearly record and keep a register of related vaccination records properly.

 

For those exempted personnel, such as those who are unfit for vaccination due to health reasons, they are still required to conduct COVID-19 tests once every three days.

 

The specimens must be obtained from combined nasal and throat swabs, and not collected through self-testing kits. Schools should also keep a record of their test results.

 

The bureau today issued a letter to all schools, including special schools and their boarding sections, and schools offering a non-local curriculum, to inform them of the arrangement details.

Back to top