HK to reopen schools in phases starting Sept 23

HONG KONG - Hong Kong's Education Bureau (EDB) on Monday announced a two-phase resumption of face-to-face classes by the end of September. Schools will initially have only half-day classes.

Education Secretary Kevin Yeung Yun-hung announced in a press conference that first, fifth and sixth grades of local secondary and primary schools and upper kindergarten grades will resume on-site classes on Sept 23.

The remaining, including the second through the fourth grades of secondary and primary schools, as well as lower kindergarten grades, will resume classes on Sept 29.

Schools shall conduct half-day classes so as to be done for the day before lunchtime. Students will need to take off masks during lunchtime which comes with risks of infection and EDB is trying to avoid that.

International schools and special schools are required to generally follow the timetable with proper adjustment according to the situation on the ground. Arrangements for cross-border students have not yet been decided, said Yeung.

EDB also reminded teachers, staff, and students to wear face masks, maintain personal hygiene, and take regular temperature while on the campus. The government will distribute child masks to families in need, said Yeung.

The resumption of classes follows a closure of over more than months as the city battled a fierce resurgence of infection. Authorities imposed strict social distancing measures, including an early summer holiday for schools that started on July 13, to contain the surge in cases.