EDB announces 14-day class suspension of United Christian College (Kowloon East)
**********************************************************

     The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (May 28) that classes of the United Christian College (Kowloon East) be suspended for 14 days between today and June 10 (Wednesday).

     The decision was made after a joint assessment by EDB and the Department of Health (DH) upon confirmation that a female student of the school had contracted human swine influenza (HSI) on her return to Hong Kong from an overseas trip.

     The Centre for Health Protection advises students having been in contact with the patient not to take part in public exams. The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority will re-schedule the dates of oral exams for the students concerned.

     An EDB spokesman said the school had activated its Crisis Management Team to handle matters relating to class suspension including support measures for students' studies, re-scheduling of school holidays, make-up classes, tests and exams as well as duty shifts for staff during the class suspension period. Relevant information would be promptly disseminated to parents through different channels.

     The spokesman added that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department had thoroughly cleansed and disinfected the school premises this afternoon.

     During the class suspension period, the school would remain open to serve those children whose parents have difficulties in arranging alternative child care, while making necessary arrangements to avoid dense congregation of children to minimise the risk of disease transmission.

     The spokesman stressed that the school concerned should cancel all assembly and extra-curricular activities during the class suspension period. Parents should pay close attention to their children's personal hygiene and keep their home clean. They should take their children's body temperature every day. If their children show upper respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat etc, they should wear masks and see the doctor as soon as possible.

     The school has also reminded its students to avoid going to crowded places during the class suspension period. If students have been away from Hong Kong or visited areas affected by HSI during this period, parents should report to school the place and time of these visits. Schools should report such cases to EDB and pay special attention to these students.

     EDB will maintain close liaison with DH and the school to offer timely suggestions and advice.

Ends/Thursday, May 28, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:39

NNNN