Coronavirus outbreak: Hong Kong school closures extended to at least March 16
The Education Bureau also stated that a final decision had not yet been made regarding whether HKDSE exams would be postponed
Schools in Hong Kong will continue to be closed until at least March 16 because of the coronavirus outbreak.Schools in Hong Kong will continue to be closed until at least March 16 in light of the latest situation regarding the coronavirus outbreak, Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung announced on Thursday morning.
He also stated that a final decision had not been reached about whether Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) written exams would start on March 27 as planned, or be postponed to April 24.
The Education Bureau (EDB) will make an announcement in late February, after accessing the health situation again, and taking into account the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority’s (HKEAA) level of preparedness at that time.
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Meanwhile, internal exams for Primary Six students taking part in the Secondary School Places Allocation were cancelled as well. The EDB would instead look at students' past results for the allocation of subsidised Secondary One places.
“We will continue to take into account professional advice from health experts, readiness of schools, as well as the supply of epidemic preventive materials in the community in making further assessments and deciding on the exact date of class resumption,” Yeung said.
He also emphasised the importance of social distancing and advised students to stay home and to avoid crowded places and travelling abroad.
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There is also no urgency for cross-boundary students to return to Hong Kong, Yeung added, while reminding them to “strictly comply with preventive measures suggested by their local authorities.”
One week ago, The EDB announced two contingency plans regarding the HKDSE examination timetable.