Hong Kong to close all schools from Monday following surge in coronavirus cases

Some recent cases involved pupils and parents, education secretary says

The majority of new cases reported on Thursday were locally transmitted (REUTERS)

Hong Kong‘s Education Bureau announced on Friday the suspension of all schools from Monday after a spike in locally transmitted coronavirus cases that has fuelled fears of a renewed community spread in the city.

Schools in the Asian financial hub have been mostly shut since February with many having switched to online learning and lessons by conference call. Many international schools are already on summer break.

The city reported 42 new cases on Thursday, of which 34 were locally transmitted, marking the second consecutive day of rising local infections.

Some of the recent cases involved students and parents, said Kevin Yeung, the education secretary.

The total number of cases in the city since late January now stands at 1,366. Seven people have died.

Reuters