To prevent atypical pneumonia virus from spreading at examination centres, candidates attending local, overseas or professional public examinations are required to wear face masks.

Speaking at a press conference today, the Hong Kong Examinations & Assessment Authority's Secretary General Choi Chee-cheong noted that all public examinations will continue as scheduled to avoid causing disruption to candidates' study or work plans.

However, they must wear face masks during the examinations and should check their body temperature everyday before leaving home, Mr Choi said.

If they have a fever, they should consult a doctor immediately and should not attend the exam.

They or their family member should inform the authority of the situation before the examination starts. (The Advanced Level Examination hotline is 2239 2762; the Certificate of Education Examination hotline is 2239 2731.)

To apply for special consideration, candidates should submit their application in writing within one month together with a medical certificate.

Eligible candidates can apply for an 'Assessment Result', which will be based on the candidates' results at school compared with the relevant public-examination results of their schoolmates.

Such arrangements, however, will not be applicable to private candidates, Mr Choi added.

The authority has informed schools and centre supervisors of these arrangements. The Hong Kong Certificate of Education examinations will begin on Monday.