In view of the current and anticipated traffic conditions as well as the overall report from schools in the territory, classes of all schools (including kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools and special schools) will be suspended tomorrow (November 14) for the sake of safety.

     A spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) said today (November 13) that the safety and well-being of students have always been the bureau's prime considerations. During the class suspension, schools must keep their premises open and arrange for staff, who return to school under safe conditions, to take care of students at school. If parents need to send their children to school, they may continue to do so. They should pay attention to safety on the way and maintain contact with their schools.

     The spokesman added that there has been extensive damage to society caused by violent protesters in the last couple of days. Apart from causing dangerous road conditions, there were also malicious damages to school private light buses ("nanny vans") and intimidation against schools of varying degrees. The situation has become outrageous. The EDB strongly condemned those acts which deliberately endanger students' safety and deprive them of their basic right to learn.

     The EDB strongly urged protesters to stop all violent acts immediately so that society can return to normal as soon as possible and students can go to school safely. Regarding the education union, which not only failed to condemn the violent protesters but also shifted the blame to the Police, the EDB considered that their attitude was non-compliant with the professional attitude expected of educators.

     The EDB called on students again to stay at home and not to wander in the streets. They should stay away from danger and must not participate in any unlawful activities.

     The EDB will continue to monitor the latest developments tomorrow and the following days, and provide schools with timely advice and support. The bureau thanked again all educators for their commitment to work.

Ends/Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:59

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