Regarding the face-to-face class resumption of Secondary and Primary One, Five and Six as well as Kindergarten Three for all schools in Hong Kong today (September 23), the Education Bureau (EDB) said that the overall situation was smooth in general.
      
     A spokesman for the EDB said, "According to our understanding from schools and principal associations of various districts, the situation of schools and traffic arrangements this morning was generally smooth. We thank schools for making preparations for putting in place all the necessary anti-epidemic measures before the resumption of face-to-face classes."
      
     The EDB announced on August 31 that, as the epidemic has subsided, schools in Hong Kong would gradually resume face-to-face classes in two phases on a half-day basis in order to minimise the risk of infection. Subsequently, the EDB issued the "Health Protection Measures for Schools" guidelines setting out the preventive measures and important items that schools should put in place after class resumption and pay attention to with a view to assisting them to make necessary preparatory work and arrangements.
      
     The spokesman said, "As the epidemic is still evolving, we must strictly observe all the anti-epidemic measures. Teaching staff and students must wear masks at all times, maintain proper hand hygiene and social distancing, and have their body temperature checked every day before returning to schools. If they have symptoms, they should seek medical advice promptly and refrain from going to school. Schools should also strengthen cleaning and disinfection of school premises, maintain good ventilation of classrooms and avoid the gathering of crowds."
      
     The spokesman stressed that the concerted efforts and co-operation among schools, students and parents are essential in keeping school campuses safe and hygienic. All parties should join forces to carry out the anti-epidemic measures to ensure that students can enjoy their school life and learn happily, and make good preparations for the resumption of face-to-face classes for the remaining levels next Tuesday (September 29).
      
     The EDB calls on parents and schools to enhance home-school co-operation and pay attention to the conditions of students after the resumption of face-to-face classes as well as provide necessary emotional support for students with a view to helping them adapt to the changes gradually. There is no urgency for them to catch up with the learning progress.

Ends/Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:39

NNNN