ALL kindergartens, elementary schools and secondary schools in Hong Kong will be closed early for the summer holidays, starting Monday (13/7/2020). This policy was taken in connection with the surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in the Concrete State.
"Given the exponential growth of local confirmed COVID-19 cases over the past two days and the Government's announcement of further tightening of social grouping measures with effect from tomorrow, as well as parental concerns as reflected by the principal, Bureau of Education, after consideration and consultation. "thoroughly with experts, it was decided that all middle schools, elementary schools and kindergartens could advance the start of their summer holidays to next Monday," Education Secretary Kevin Yeung, as reported by news.gov.hk.
Public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) said authorities would also review whether the upcoming school year could start as previously scheduled, in August or September.
Kevin Yeung told reporters on Friday (10/7/2020) that schools can choose to continue with the exams that were scheduled for next week. Or, they can choose to postpone the test for several months.
“Primary schools can continue with their exam schedule the following week (for grade 5 students) if they wish. Or, they can also choose to postpone the exam until September, and the deadline for submitting the P5 Internal Assessment will be extended to October 20, ”said Yeung.
Yeung also said that although some students and parents have been infected with the coronavirus in recent days, there has not been a single case where the virus has been transmitted in schools. This, he said, demonstrates precisely the anti-epidemic measures taken by schools in Hong Kong since the resumption of classes in early May.
Implementing distancing policies, the obligation to wear face masks, and strict temperature monitoring in schools have been effective in maintaining student health. The positive effect, these policies certainly calm the minds of parents of students.
However, the policy of closing schools is a better step for the community. That way, fewer students use public transportation or roam outside the home.
The decision to go for an early summer vacation was taken after the government worked closely with schools that raised voices of concern from parents and experts if schools were to continue. Some of them even told RTHK that they had decided not to send their children to school even before the announcement.
"Now that we are very close to the planned summer vacation - we are talking about seven to ten days - so we thought that for the general good of society and also for the health of the students, we thought that we could move the start of the summer vacation to next Monday," "Said Yeung.
He also reminded schools not to carry out any summer activities during the holidays. Except for holding important events such as graduation ceremonies or banquets, as long as they take steps to ensure the event is safe. (source: RTHK / news.gov.hk)
