Chief Executive Carrie Lam today announced that primary schools, international schools and kindergartens may resume face-to-face classes as early as April 19 after the Easter holidays.

Secondary schools may restart in-person classes after the examinations of the 2022 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination core subjects are completed.

At a press conference this morning, Mrs Lam said while the Government aims to start the exams on April 22 as scheduled, discussions on contingency plans in case of postponement due to COVID-19 have already been initiated between the Education Bureau and schools.

Separately, the Chief Executive noted that although the vaccine pass arrangement at schools only covers staff and visitors, a high vaccination rate among students at large will create favourable conditions for holding classes and activities on campus.

The first dose vaccination rate for youngsters aged 12 to 19 is approaching 95%.

However, only 57% of children aged three to 11 have received their first jab. The Government will strive to boost their vaccination rate to 90% by the end of next month, Mrs Lam added.