Rapid Covid test requirement could be canceled in March: education chief
The requirement of students taking a Covid-19 rapid antigen test before going to school may be canceled in March, said Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin.
Choi told a radio program Saturday that the move could be dropped anytime next month after consulting health experts, given that there is no drastic change in the pandemic development.
Choi also stressed the borders have been operating smoothly since cross-border students started going to school from Wednesday.
Yet, the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai border point may have fewer bus departures and authorities have communicated with the bus company on service enhancement already, Choi noted.
The education chief continued that authorities are now arranging for students traveling on shuttle buses to cross the border without alighting.
Authorities have granted permits to local and cross-border school buses as well, and the students must complete a health declaration to obtain a black QR code.
Parents can first complete the declaration for students and take a screencap and show it to the caretaker on the school bus.
As for certain field trips to mainland being shortened to one day, Choi explained that some principals said their schools just resumed full-day classes not long ago and students need some time to adapt to their school life again.
Schools also need to make special arrangements on manpower and teaching activities, Choi added, but pointed out that schools can still choose trips that last for two to three days.