Hong Kong Brings Back the 2020 Playbook: Schools Go Remote for Lunar New Year
Heads up, Hong Kongers! On Monday, Jan. 24, the city’s secondary schools will shut their doors for in‑person classes, staying closed until after the Lunar New Year celebrations on Feb. 7. This move follows a spike in COVID‑19 cases spread from several schools.
What’s Happening and Why
- The education bureau says the situation has worsened, with a wave of unknown‑origin infections.
- Primary schools and kindergartens were already on pause earlier this month; now even gyms, cinemas, and beauty salons are on the “closed” list.
- Sixth‑formers heading for big exams may still have a few in‑class sessions, but everything else—tests, quizzes, sports—gets postponed.
How This Mirrors 2020
Hong Kong is tightening up like it did in March 2020—zero‑tolerance for local cases, despite the hassle it brings.
Delta and Omicron Are Back
After nearly a full year without local cases, the fast‑spreading Omicron variant flared up in late December. Health officials also spotted a Delta resurgence, with new clusters emerging from unlikely places—including a pet store.
What Schools Should Do
Any confirmed COVID case in a school means everyone thinks the students and staff need testing and quarantine. The education bureau wants teachers and learners to get checked right away.
Boosting Vaccination
The government rolled out Sinovac shots for 5‑to‑11‑year‑olds on Friday, pushing the city’s vaccination rate over 70%. It’s a move to keep kids safer and schools more secure.
Pet Adoption & The Hamster Craze
Because a government‑ordered mass cull of hamsters raised concerns about COVID‑19, thousands rushed to adopt the “unwanted” furry friends this week. Looks like the city’s pest control turned into a pet‑adoption frenzy!
Stay safe, stay savvy, and keep that smile—heroes of the Lunar New Year!
