Candidates taking the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education examination sit at least 1.8 meters apart at the examination hall at St. Joseph's College, in Hong Kong, on April 24, 2020. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG -  Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said on Saturday afternoon that the first two days of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education examination went smoothly, with about 16,000 candidates sitting for the tests at various venues amid tightened anti-epidemic measures.

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Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung said civil servants have been asked to avoid commuting between 7 am to 8 am to make way for students

In a post on social media, the education chief said about 50,000 students would sit for the exams of four core subjects next week, which could pose a challenge to ensuring precautionary measures against the COVID-19 pandemic at exam venues. 

Yeung said the government would do its utmost to ensure the smooth running of the month-long exam, noting that civil servants have been asked to avoid commuting between 7 am to 8 am to make way for students. He called on all employers in the city to follow suit. 

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According to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, more than 13,000 students sat for the exam on Saturday. Two students were not allowed to enter the exam venues because they were found to have high body temperatures and other respiratory symptoms. Two other candidates who felt unwell left during the exam while 10 students called in sick.

Yeung said students who missed the exam can apply for a performance assessment in place of DSE results.