Two-thirds Of Pupils To Resume In-person Classes

More students will be allowed to go back to school and resume face-to-face classes after the Easter holiday in April, the government announced on Friday, as the number of new coronavirus infections remains low in the territory.

The Covid-19 pandemic has seriously disrupted schooling, with many students limited to online learning for months so that social distancing can be maintained.

Currently, only one-third of pupils are allowed to attend classes in person.

The Education Bureau said the restrictions will be relaxed, and up to two-thirds of students at all kindergartens, primary and secondary schools will be able to resume half-day in-person classes.

A spokesman said schools should allow students of different grades to take turns to return to campus so that they can all have a chance to get face-to-face lessons and interact with their peers.

He also encouraged teachers and other staff at schools to get tested for Covid regularly, saying schools will be allowed to resume fully if such requirements are met.

In response to the announcement, the Professional Teachers' Union said regular Covid testing should not be a prerequisite for a full class resumption.

The pro-government Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, meanwhile, said more measures should be put in place to facilitate the testing and vaccination of teachers.