Sha Tin Pupils Urge School Closure Over New Cluster

Students from over 20 Sha Tin secondary schools have signed a joint petition urging the Education Bureau to revisit its decision on school resumption, saying the Covid-19 outbreak at Lek Yuen Estate is worrying.

After the number of Covid-19 cases in the city came down and local infections dropped considerably, students in secondary three to five returned to schools on May 27 after weeks of closure.

From Monday, more students – in classes primary four to secondary two – are also returning to schools, as per the staggered plan announced by the government last month.

But some students in Sha Tin area wants the Education Bureau to suspend classes until a new outbreak reported in the public housing estate there shows signs of easing.

One of the students, surnamed Pang, slammed the government for failing to implement alternative arrangements for schools in the Sha Tin area, saying the new outbreak could threaten the health of students in the area.

He complained that he is running low on face mask supplies and is worried that he may run out of protection soon.

Another student by the name of Chan said it is contradictory that the government has extended a ban of mass gatherings and yet allow up to 30 students to congregate in classrooms.

They also urged the government to conduct tests on all teachers and students across Hong Kong, saying that is the only way to ensure they’re healthy and fit for school.