The Hong Kong government on Friday announced to close schools, starting the summer vacation from July 13, due to the new outbreak of coronavirus in the city.

Axar.az reports that, in a statement, Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung said that in light of the recent COVID-19 situation, all secondary schools, primary schools, and kindergartens could advance the beginning of their summer holiday to Monday.

“In view of the exponential growth of confirmed COVID-19 local cases over the past two days and the government's announcement on further tightening social distancing measures with taking effect from tomorrow, as well as parents' concerns as reflected by school principals, the Education Bureau, after thorough consideration and consultation with experts, has decided that all secondary schools, primary schools, and kindergartens could advance the beginning of their summer holiday to next Monday,” Yeung explained.

But he said special arrangements would be made for students, with important examinations scheduled for next week.

Most schools in Hong Kong were scheduled to start their weeks-long summer vacations by the end of July.