Arthur's assurance: Professor Arthur Li chats with students during his visit to Pooi To Middle School.

Schools with students or staff suspected to have atypical pneumonia should suspend classes for 10 days, Secretary for Education & Manpower Professor Arthur Li said today.

Professor Li said students and schools should remain vigilant despite some recent positive developments in the virus fight.

Under the new measure, if a staff member or student of a school is suspected to have atypical pneumonia, the school must suspend classes for 10 days with effect from the first day of sick leave taken by the patient.

If the suspected case tests negative for the virus, the Department of Health will inform the Education & Manpower Bureau to arrange resumption of classes.

If any family members or person in close contact with a staff member or student is suspected to have contracted the virus, the staff member or student must stay at home for 10 days.

Home confinement or home observation will finish as soon as the Department of Health confirms that the suspected case is not atypical pneumonia.

Professor Li visited Immanuel Lutheran College in Tai Po, Pooi To Middle School in Kowloon City and Maryknoll Secondary School in Kwun Tong this morning to review their arrangements for full resumption of classes.