HKDSE Examination commences smoothly
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A spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) said, "According to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA), the overall operation on the first day of examination was smooth. Most of the candidates were able to measure their body temperature, complete rapid antigen testing and fill in the health declaration form before arriving at the examination centres as required. The school examination centres also have a mechanism to deal with the special circumstances of individual students to ensure that all candidates comply with the relevant epidemic prevention arrangements before they are allowed to enter the examination centres to take the exam."
In view of the importance of the HKDSE to the further studies and career pursuits of students, the HKEAA, with the support and co-ordination of the EDB and relevant government departments, has set up an examination centre at the Penny's Bay Community Isolation Facility (PBCIF) for candidates undergoing compulsory quarantine and candidates confirmed with COVID-19. There were 21 candidates (11 under quarantine and 10 contracted with COVID-19) at the PBCIF today, among which one confirmed case chose not to take the examination due to physical discomfort. Amongst them, 18 candidates were already admitted to the facility before the commencement of the HKDSE, while the remaining three candidates contacted the HKEAA and the designated taxi hotline last night (April 21) to arrange point-to-point transport service to the designated examination centre this morning. The HKEAA and the designated taxi hotline did not receive any request to arrange immediate point-to-point transport service from candidates this morning.
In addition, for HKDSE candidates who are living within the "restricted area" and required to undergo compulsory testing, quarantine personnel will accord priority for those who need to sit the HKDSE Examination on the following day. Under such arrangement, 19 candidates within the "restricted area" were given priority testing last night. They took part in the examination this morning after obtaining a negative test result.
The spokesman expressed gratitude to all sectors of the community for being united with one heart and rendering full support and care to the candidates for the smooth conduct of the examination amid the epidemic. The EDB and the HKEAA will closely monitor the daily development of the situation and do their best to ensure all candidates can complete the examination this year in a smooth and safe manner.
About 50 000 candidates have entered for the HKDSE Examination this year. With the examination timetable compressed to three weeks, the written examinations of various subjects will be held between today and May 14. The date of release of the examination results remains to be July 20.
Ends/Friday, April 22, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:43
Issued at HKT 18:43
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