'School Closures Mulled As 115 Covid Cases Reported'

Sources told RTHK on Sunday that the government will soon announce the suspension of all in-person primary and secondary school classes, as authorities reported 115 new Covid-19 cases in the city’s highest single-day tally since August 2.

It’s understood that the Education Bureau could make an announcement later on Sunday, but would give schools some time to prepare for the class suspension, which should be implemented by the end of the week.

Hong Kong is currently in the grips of a fourth wave of infections that has seen the government strengthen its anti-epidemic measures and postpone a planned travel bubble with Singapore.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam, meanwhile, told a TVB programme that her administration is mulling tougher penalties for people who breach social distancing regulations.

Lam said the current standard HK$2,000 fine hasn't been effective enough in deterring violations, and may be increased.

She also said the government will be introducing more measures and laws if necessary, to try to rid the city of the virus.

Authorities are set to impose mandatory tests on staff who work in care homes, to protect elderly, disabled and sick residents.

Welfare chief Law Chi-kwong said the aim is to have regular tests every week to ensure the workers don’t bring the virus into these homes, and a negative test result should be required before they’re allowed back at work.

A recent spike in the number of local cases has spiked in the past week, with hundreds of people getting infected in relation to dance gatherings at studios across the city.

Kindergartens and lower primary classes remain suspended for now, and individual schools have also closed their doors as a precaution following Covid outbreaks.

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