Unmasked: Kids are thrilled with the news that Hong Kong has been removed from the WHO's list of SARS affected places. It means they don't have to wear facemasks in school and on school buses and nanny vans any more!

Students reacted happily to the news that Hong Kong had been removed from the WHO's list of affected places: It means they do not need to wear facemasks in school and on school buses and nanny vans.

The Education & Manpower Bureau announced today that students, teachers and school staff are no longer required to wear the masks.

However, if they have mild respiratory tract infection symptoms, such as coughing and sneezing, they should wear facemasks to reduce the chance of spreading the disease.

Parents should continue taking their children's temperature daily. Any student who has a fever or is not feeling well should see a doctor and take rest at home.

The bureau reminded students to maintain good personal hygiene and wash their hands before meals and after sneezing, coughing or cleaning their noses. They should also avoid sharing towels or utensils at meal times.

Schools will continue their stepped-up cleaning efforts, using a diluted household bleach solution to cleanse premises and facilities on a daily basis.

They should also provide adequate facilities and soap for hand washing, maintain good indoor ventilation and wash air-conditioner filters frequently.

Parents should inform the school if their children have visited places with SARS cases so that the school will take the temperature of these students for 10 days as a precaution.