HONG KONG - Scrambling to contain the
spread of coronavirus, Hong Kong extended the suspension of
schools on Thursday until at least March 16 and told overseas
students studying in the city there was no rush to return.
The government also said civil servants would be allowed to
work from home until Feb. 23 to reduce the risk of the virus
spreading.
Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung said secondary and
primary schools would not return from an already prolonged break
until at least mid-March, extending an earlier suspension that
was due to see students return to lessons on March 2.
The news comes as the Chinese province at the epicentre of
the coronavirus outbreak reported a record rise in the death
toll, as global health experts warned the epidemic could get far
worse before it is brought under control.
"Social distancing and avoiding mass movement of people are
the strategies for preventing and controlling the epidemic,"
Yeung said at a press conference.
"There is no urgency for students now staying in the mainland
and other countries to return to Hong Kong."
The former British colony has confirmed 50 cases of
coronavirus and one death.
Many schools in Hong Kong have already switched to online
learning and lessons by conference call, with assignments given
out on a daily or weekly basis.
The outbreak has triggered fresh tensions between the
government and residents, many of who have called for full
closure of the border with mainland China.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has closed some cross-border
links but has said completely sealing it would be inappropriate,
impractical and discriminatory.