Speaking at a press conference today, Yeung said all schools including special schools and schools offering a non-local curriculum as well as tutorial schools can continue their in-person classes on a half-day basis in the 2021-22 school year.

The education chief also said starting September 1, all school employees and those having to enter school campuses frequently will have to receive at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, or they will have to get tested every fortnight at their own expense.

However, those who cannot receive the jab due to health conditions can still get the free tests provided by the government.

Yeung added that only when the schools’ vaccination rate reaches 70 percent that authorities would consider resuming full-day in-person classes.

As of July 13, only 47 percent of Hong Kong’s teaching staff have received the Covid vaccine or made their bookings for a jab. As for students aged 12 or above, only 40 percent of them have been vaccinated or stated they will be getting the jab.