'Schools May Not Be Safe Despite Negative Tests'

A secondary school principal on Thursday questioned the government's proposal to resume in-person classes after the Chinese New Year break once all teachers and staff return negative Covid-19 test results.

Tai Tak-ching, the headmaster of Sheng Kung Hui Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School, told an RTHK programme that both the government and health experts don't consider the wider community to be necessarily safe after the holiday.

The head of the Wan Chai District Headmasters' Conference also said even if teachers test negative for Covid-19, school campuses would not be safe because the disease has a long incubation period.

"It's just an illusion that you are safe [after testing], which may lead to people letting their guard down," Tai said, adding that he will discuss the government plan with his teachers.

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung defended the plan, saying school staff have a bigger responsibility than students to get tested because they're providing a service.

"Teachers as the educator as well as the carer of students, they have to look at the interests of the student. And so, if they are willing, we appreciate very much that they are willing to do the test to offer more protection to the students," he said.

Yeung insisted the testing arrangement is optional, and said he doesn't hope schools would feel the pressure to force their teachers to undergo tests. Still, he said it's better to get tested to help prevent the spread of the virus.