HONG KONG: The city's primary schools and kindergartens will stay closed until the next academic year in light of the continuing threat of A (H1N1) flu, Education Secretary Suen Ming-yueng announced yesterday.

The government steering committee, chaired by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, met yesterday to finalize the arrangements for schools.

Secondary schools can begin their summer breaks once all exams are finished.

"When many kids aggregate in a confined space for long periods of time, this can trigger a major outbreak. If students are dispersed, the risk of an outbreak is minimized," Thomas Tsang, controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), said.

"Secondary students have stronger immunity systems and observe better personal hygiene, so there is no need at this stage to suspend classes there."

Tsang said schools can continue to hold extracurricular activities, but said it is important to observe the guidelines issued by the CHP.

The two-week suspension of kindergartens, primary schools, nurseries and special schools was originally scheduled to end tomorrow. The government's announcement ensures an early start to many students' summer vacation.

Yesterday, 60 people were confirmed to have been infected with A (H1N1) flu, including 35 males and 25 females, ranging from three to 65 years old, raising the city's count to over 400.

Tsang Pik Shan Secondary School in Ma On Shan was forced to close after a Form Two student was diagnosed with the flu.

Leticia Lau, president of the Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations of Yau Tsim and Mong Kok District, said she was worried that the extended summer vacation would mean too much idle time for children.

"These children have nothing to do with so much time on their hands. Many parents are stressing out on what to do with their children," Lau said.

"This is potentially a major problem for parents," she continued. "Many families do not have maids to take care of the children, and the parents have to work. The situation is quite worrisome and it's giving me a headache quite frankly."

Rebecca Ng Mei-ying, principal of Yan Chai Hospital Chiu Tsang Hok Wan Primary School, said she realized many parents may have difficulty arranging for childcare, and thus welcomes students to come to school even during the suspension of classes.

"We welcome students to come to school, should their parents have difficulty making other arrangements," she said. "Our staff will be here and students can engage in activities like reading, playing badminton, or using the computer."

Ng said the school will be stepping up hygiene measures to minimize the risk of spreading germs.

(HK Edition 06/24/2009 page1)