The Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) announced in a statement yesterday that it is urging students and parents to prepare for the new academic year as soon as possible and to pay close attention to the latest government-released information.
The statement noted that the DSEDJ announced earlier this month that tertiary education institutions and non-tertiary education schools’ students and teaching staff were required to return to their usual place of residence (Macau, Zhuhai or Zhongshan) 10 days before the new academic year’s first day. They must also present a nucleic acid test (NAT) taken within 72 hours on the school opening day.
The statement also underlined the opening of “COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Test Booking System for Teachers and Students” (https://app.ssm.gov.mo/studentrnabook), adding that teachers and students must make appointments in advance. The results cannot be used for border crossings or regular testing for key working groups.
It is suggested, the statement noted, that teachers and students should not arrive at the testing station too early (over 30 minutes) or too late to avoid crowding.
The statement added that cross-border students and teaching staff only need to undergo an NAT in Zhuhai or Zhongshan. Moreover, the statement pointed out that tertiary education institutions’ faculty and students and non-tertiary education schools’ teaching staff must present a certificate of completion of the entire course of COVID-19 vaccinations, or a proof of negative NAT result within seven days every week, to the institution or school.
The bureau also “strongly urges” those aged three to be vaccinated and for eligible students and teachers to complete the COVID-19 vaccination and a booster shot as soon as possible.
Moreover, the statement noted that traffic is expected to be heavy during the first week of the academic year, with parents and students urged to plan their route to school ahead and leave home early. They should also pay attention to announcements issued by the government entities.
The statement added that parents of students catching a school bus should stay in touch with their school or school bus driver in advance to understand the pick-up arrangements.
Moreover, with Macau still in its typhoon and rainstorm season in September, the statement said that parents and students should remain vigilant and pay attention to weather and traffic-related news before going out.
If classes are suspended because of adverse weather, school gates and campuses will be kept open while staff are arranged to care for students who have arrived and provide appropriate educational activities for them. The statement said that schools are advised to handle situations in a flexible way when a student is late or absent due to force majeure.
