The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (January 31) that due to the latest epidemic development, all schools in Hong Kong (including kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and private schools offering non-formal curriculum) would resume classes on March 2 the earliest pending further assessment.
      
     The EDB will continue to act on medical advice and take into account schools' preparation work and the supply of protective equipment in the community. We will decide on the date of class resumption when the conditions are ready for it, and inform schools of the date as soon as possible so that they can make arrangements in advance.
      
     Meanwhile, a spokesman for the EDB strongly urged students to avoid going to areas affected by the epidemic outbreak. Parents should also arrange for their children who are travelling abroad to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible. After returning to Hong Kong, they should be mindful of their physical conditions. If they feel unwell, they should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to safeguard their health. During the period of postponement of class resumption, students should stay at home and avoid going to crowded places. Parents should suspend group/extra-curricular activities for their children, such as interest classes and tuition classes, and should not allow students to travel abroad in order to lower the risk of being infected.
      
     To better grasp the overall situation, the EDB has requested schools to contact students to see whether they have returned to Hong Kong on or before February 3 so that schools can make corresponding arrangements when necessary. Schools are also required to report to the EDB about the overall situation.
      
     During the period of postponement of class resumption, schools should keep their premises open, step up cleansing and take preventive measures. Schools should also arrange a suitable number of staff to be on duty to take care of students in need, and handle school matters and parents' enquiries.
      
     The spokesman added that during the period of class suspension, schools should make good use of e-learning, such as providing students with useful learning materials through emails, school websites, e-learning platforms and other effective means. They can also utilise the online resources provided by various subject sections of the EDB as well as the multi-media and reading materials on Hong Kong Education City, etc. so that students can make good use of their time at home to continue their studies. 
      
     The EDB understands the education sector's concern about the postponement of class resumption and related matters, including the Primary 6 internal examinations for the purpose of Secondary School Places Allocation and the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination. The EDB will discuss with stakeholders and Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority the appropriate arrangements and maintain close communication with them. The EDB will make further announcements next week.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) would like to alert members of the public of a fraudulent website impersonating HKICL’s official website:interbanksettlementshk.com
      
     The HKICL has no connection with the fraudulent website.  To ensure safety and security, members of the public are strongly advised to access HKICL's website using the official address at www.hkicl.com.hk and not to click any suspicious hyperlink that claims to be HKICL's official website. 
      
     Members of the public who have provided personal information through the fraudulent website should immediately contact HKICL Services Management Hotline at (852) 2533-1100.

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     To reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community, the Office of the Ombudsman announced today (January 30) that the Office will not open until February 10. The Office will review the situation before then.

     Members of the public may contact us for enquiry or complaint through email, fax, hotline voice message or online form.

     The Government Logistics Department has announced that due to the extension of the special work arrangements of government departments announced by the Government today (January 31) in order to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus in the community, the closing time for tenders to be received through the Government Logistics Department Tender Box by noon from February 3 (Monday) to February 7 (Friday) will be extended until further notice.

     For enquiries, please call 2231 5398 between 9am and 6pm.

     Police today (January 31) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Cheung Sha Wan.

     Cheng Pui-wan, aged 57, went missing after she was last seen in a restaurant on Broadway Street yesterday noon (January 30). Her family made a report to Police on the same day.

     She is about 1.6 metres tall, 50 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short dark brown hair. She was last seen wearing a grey long-sleeved shirt, black trousers and silver-coloured shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8037, 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.