Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (fourth right) gets a briefing from Principal of Clementi Secondary School Bonnie Lai (first left) on the anti-pandemic measures the school set in place for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination on April 20, 2022. Looking on are Under Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin (second left) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Samuel Yung (first right). (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor visited on Thursday a school in Fortress Hill to learn about the anti-pandemic measures it put in place for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) exams.

In a statement issued on Thursday night, the government said Lam visited the Clementi Secondary School, one of the examination centers in the city, as education authorities prepared for the HKDSE which starts on Friday.

About 50,000 candidates will take this year’s HKDSE Examination which will be held from Friday until May 14. The results will be released on July 20

“Despite the fluctuating COVID-19 epidemic situation and the myriad challenges brought about over the past two years or so, the government has been closely liaising and co-operating with the Examinations & Assessment Authority and the academic sector to make timely decisions to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination,” Lam was quoted as saying in the statement.

She added that, with the central government’s staunch support and the community’s concerted efforts, the fifth wave of infections is gradually being brought under control.

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“This wave has shown a continuous downtrend after reaching the peak in early March, creating necessary conditions for the commencement of the HKDSE Examination,” she said.

To mitigate infection risks, candidates and examination staff must take a rapid antigen test (RAT) and only those who get a negative test result will be allowed to enter the examination centers. The Education Bureau has allocated additional resources worth HK$20 million ($2.55 million) to provide RAT kits through the HKEAA.

Upon arrival at the exam centers, the candidates’ health declaration form, body temperature and identity will be checked. The seats have been spaced at an appropriate distance at the venues which are also well ventilated.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (third left) gets a briefing from Principal of Clementi Secondary School Bonnie Lai (first right) on the anti-pandemic measures the school set in place for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination on April 20, 2022.  Looking on are the Under Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin (second left) the Chairman of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Samuel Yung (first left). (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

Meanwhile, special measures have been implemented to take care of candidates affected by the pandemic.

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For virus tests during targeted testing operations, priority will be accorded to HKDSE Examination candidates residing in a restricted area.

If candidates are identified as close contacts, or are infected yet in a suitable health condition, they may take the exam at the special examination center at the Penny’s Bay Community Isolation Facility. 

A hotline and free point-to-point transport service by designated taxis or minibuses have also been arranged for them.

Lam stressed that the government will use its best endeavours to hold the exam with the HKEAA and the academic sector to safeguard the health and safety of candidates and examination personnel.

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She also wished all the candidates every success and a good performance in their exams.

About 50,000 candidates will take this year’s HKDSE Examination which will be held from Friday until May 14. The results will be released on July 20.