'Amber Code Won't Cause Disruption In Schools'

A representative of local subsidised schools doesn't think the new "amber code" policy will cause much disruption in the sector when students return for the new school year next Thursday.

Under the government's new code, inbound travellers who finish three nights' hotel quarantine without testing positive for Covid-19 have to stay under medical surveillance for four more days and are restricted from taking part in activities deemed high-risk during this time.

Dion Chen, chairman of the Direct Subsidy Schools Scheme Council, told RTHK he was seeking clarity on whether "amber code" students are to be prohibited from taking part in "mask-off" campus activities on-campus, but said he didn't think many students or teachers in local schools will have been away.

"We would like all students to come back for all activities," he said. "But students are not required to scan a QR code [via the LeaveHomeSafe app] when they come to school, so if they don't report it to the school, the school may not know that they have been away. Schools may need to find alternative places for them to eat at school, for example."

Chen added that continuing the policy of requiring students to show daily RAT tests would help "a lot."

"The RAT tests are the only way to help students and parents find out if they have Covid," he said. " I can't see any way to reduce the frequency unless the government has a whole new policy for schools."