January 21, 2022
HONG KONG – Hong Kong will implement the “vaccine bubble” in all schools from Feb 24 but the arrangement does not apply to students.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the Education Bureau said the measure applies to kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, as well as tutorial schools.
From Feb 24, teachers, non-teaching staff, people providing on-campus services and school visitors will be required to present vaccination records of at least the first COVID-19 vaccine dose before entering a school building.
The Education Bureau stressed that though the “vaccine bubble” arrangement does not apply to students, it still urges students in the relevant age groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible to better protect themselves and others
The bureau stressed that apart from those who are exempted, anyone who is unvaccinated cannot perform teaching or other duties online or off-campus during the periods when face-to-face classes are not suspended.
“The school management has the responsibility to take action in respect of staff disciplinary matters in accordance with the Employment Ordinance and the Codes of Aid,” the statement read.
In addition, teachers and school staff directly employed by schools who have received only one dose should receive the second dose before April 21.
“Schools should clearly record and keep a register of related vaccination records properly,” the bureau said.
For exempted people, including those who are unfit for vaccination due to health reasons, they are still required to undergo COVID-19 tests once every three days. The specimens must be obtained from combined nasal and throat swabs but not through self-testing kits, the bureau said. Schools should also keep a record of their test results.
The bureau stressed that though the “vaccine bubble” arrangement does not apply to students, it still urges students in the relevant age groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible to better protect themselves and others.