Staff

In view of the latest development of the pandemic situation, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that Departments /Units will resume normal operation from 18 February to cater for related service needs. Dine-in services after 6pm in CUHK canteens will also be resumed from 18 February. Infection control measures for the dine-in arrangement will be in accordance with the Government regulations. For details of opening hours and arrangements of canteens and other facilities, please visit https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/campus/accommodation.html#canteen_info or refer to the announcements of the respective offices.

The checklist serves as a simple guide for prompt actions.  Heads of Departments/Units (HoDs) may exercise discretion and take appropriate actions as the circumstances warrant.  Orders/Advice, if any, from the Government’s Department of Health or other health authorities, e.g. the University’s Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP), should take precedence and be strictly observed.

[1] As classified by Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health; the employee will be given an order for compulsory quarantine of 14 days at the Government’s designated quarantine centre.

[2] The employee is associated to someone who is tested positive for COVID-19 or classified as close contact, but the employee is not under Scenario (A) or (B).  Advice should be sought from CHPP on a case-by-case basis.

[3] CHPP hotline: 3943 6436 (office hours) or email: healtheducation.uhs@cuhk.edu.hk

In view of the severe COVID-19 situation, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that the infection control measures presently in force, including suspension of all dine-in service in CUHK canteens after 6:00 PM, will be extended to 17 February 2021.

As for sports facilities, to comply with the requirements stipulated in the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), some sports venues will reopen on February 16 after staff at relevant venues have undergone COVID-19 tests and necessary measures are adopted at reopened sports facilities.

During this period, the services of the University Clinic will continue to operate as usual. For details of opening hours and arrangements of canteens and other facilities, please visit https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/campus/accommodation.html#canteen_info or refer to the announcements of the respective offices.

n view of the severe COVID-19 situation, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that the infection control measures presently in force, including suspension of all dine-in service in CUHK canteens after 6:00 PM, and temporary closure of all sports facilities on campus, will be extended to 3 February 2021. As to the special work arrangements for attendance, work from home or rotation, departments/units may adjust work plans according to service needs, including gradual resumption of service in an orderly manner based on the measures and principle of reduction of flow of people and social contact.

During this period, the services of the University Clinic will continue to operate as usual. For details of opening hours and arrangements of canteens and other facilities, please visit https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/campus/accommodation.html#canteen_info or refer to the announcements of the respective offices.

In view of the severe COVID-19 situation, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that the infection control measures presently in force, including special work arrangements for attendance, work from home or rotation; suspension of all dine-in service in CUHK canteens after 6:00 PM; and temporary closure of all sports facilities on campus, will be extended to 27 January 2021.

During this period, the services of the University Clinic will continue to operate as usual. For details of opening hours and arrangements of canteens and other facilities, please visit https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/campus/accommodation.html#canteen_info or refer to the announcements of the respective offices.

In view of the severe COVID-19 situation, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that the infection control measures presently in force, including special work arrangements for attendance, work from home or rotation; suspension of all dine-in service in CUHK canteens after 6:00 PM; and temporary closure of all sports facilities on campus, will be extended to 20 January 2021.

During this period, the services of the University Clinic will continue to operate as usual. For details of opening hours and arrangements of canteens and other facilities, please visit https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/campus/accommodation.html#canteen_info or refer to the announcements of the respective offices.

In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that the following enhanced infection control measures will be extended to 6 January 2021.

The special work arrangements currently in place will be extended to 6 January 2021.  In response to the epidemic, departments/units will review the situation and adjust the relevant arrangements for attendance, work from home or rotation as appropriate. Staff members will be informed of the details by their respective department/unit heads.

All dine-in services in CUHK canteens will be suspended after 6:00 PM. For the details of opening hours and arrangements, please contact the respective canteens or visit https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/campus/accommodation.html#canteen_info

During this period, the services of the University Clinic will continue to operate as usual. The University will temporarily close all sports facilities on campus. For details of the opening hours of other facilities of the University, please refer to the announcements of the respective offices.

Dear Students and Colleagues, 

The Fall Term has just concluded, let us first of all wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season ahead. 

The Fall Term started on a promising note, when the third wave of COVID infections slowed in Hong Kong. Classes proceeded very much as planned. The “hybrid’’ mode of teaching worked well, as feedback from students and teachers shows, without compromising the desired learning outcomes. We must thank all our staff for their tremendous effort, our students for their understanding and cooperation, and our alumni for their support and encouragement. Teaching and learning would not have progressed as well as it did, had it not been for the community coming together during this trying time. Difficulties remain, of course; for example, we are keenly aware that some students, especially freshmen, experienced a sense of isolation, as they were unable to connect with their seniors and peers in person and make new friends. 

In November, we undertook to make more face-to-face classes available and organized some carefully managed student activities. Unfortunately, just as we hoped we could step up some of these efforts, a new wave of COVID infections arrived, putting the city under siege once more. The current fourth wave of COVID infections is fierce and has spread widely. There are far more cases without known origins for comfort. The University must play its part in strengthening its infection control measures, so as to protect the health and wellbeing of all our members. As the new academic Term will begin in less than a month’s time, we must make timely adjustments to our plans for teaching and learning, and for hostel accommodation. 

Teaching and Learning

Unless conditions improve, classes will continue to be conducted mainly online. While some face-to-face classes for a small number of undergraduate courses, including lab/studio/practicum-based undergraduate courses and postgraduate courses may be arranged under strict infection control measures, prudence dictates that campus density should be kept to a minimum. We very much hope that when conditions improve, we will be able to accommodate more first-year students and classes on campus as we originally planned in November. Students should consult CUSIS for the individual course arrangements. If the pandemic subsides after the winter, we will again adjust our teaching arrangements to allow for more in-person on-campus activities.

It is unfortunate that student exchanges cannot proceed for the remainder of the academic year, as the pandemic rages on throughout the world, but the Virtual Student Exchange Programme spearheaded by CUHK is receiving a warm reception and has provided valuable global learning opportunities for many of our students.

Hostel Accommodation

The risk of a cluster of infections emerging on campus is real. That risk would surely increase if a large number of students were to return to their hostel accommodation. Even with single room occupancy, the sharing of common facilities still poses considerable risk. For this reason, although we realize how disappointing this must be for many of our students, some of whom reside outside Hong Kong and are very much looking forward to returning to campus, we have to act responsibly and limit occupancy. We must also set aside rooms for emergency purposes in case there is an outbreak in one of the hostels and a thorough disinfection is needed. 

Under the current unfavorable circumstances, other than those students who are already in their hostels, only a limited number of additional rooms will be available to students for the Spring Term. The Colleges are in the process of finalizing their plans and will be informing their students shortly. 

Act Together Against COVID-19

The end of the fourth wave of COVID infections is nowhere in sight. The ferocity of the present rate of transmission is alarming. Fatality arising from COVID-19 is not confined to the elderly, as recent cases sadly confirm. The University appeals to all members to stay vigilant. Even with the promise of a vaccine, we cannot emphasize strongly enough that we need to act together to keep our campus safe from COVID-19. For more information on the University’s infection control measures, please visit the “Act Together Against COVID-19” website.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely, keeping in mind always that the health and safety of our members must come first, adjust our responses as necessary, and keep you informed in a timely manner. Once more, thank you for your understanding and steadfast support.

Yours sincerely,

Rocky S. Tuan                                                Alan K.L. Chan
Vice-Chancellor and President               Provost

In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces the following enhanced infection control measures from 10 December to 23 December 2020:

1. All dine-in services in CUHK canteens will be suspended after 6:00 PM. For the details of opening hours and arrangements, please contact the respective canteens or visit  https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/campus/accommodation.html#canteen_info

2. The University will temporarily close all sports facilities on campus.

3. The special work arrangements has been implemented from 2 December. Each department/unit will review and maintain essential and necessary services. Except for those staff providing essential and necessary services, staff members whose work permits offsite handling will work on shift or work from home. In response to the epidemic, departments/units will try to reduce onsite manpower as much as possible and review the situation to adjust the relevant arrangements for attendance, work from home or rotation as appropriate. Staff members will be informed of the details by their respective department/unit heads. This temporary arrangement will be extended to 23 December.

During this period, the services of the University Clinic will continue to operate as usual. For details of the opening hours of other facilities of the University, please refer to the announcements of the respective offices.

In view of the worsening risk of the spread of COVID-19, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces special work arrangements that will be implemented from Wednesday (2 December). Each department/unit will review and maintain essential and necessary services. Except for those staff providing essential and necessary services, staff members whose work permits offsite handling will work on shift or work from home. This temporary arrangement will last for two weeks until 15 December and the University will closely monitor and review the situation as appropriate. Staff members will be informed of the detailed arrangements for attendance, work from home or rotation by their respective department/unit heads.

The University is adopting the hybrid mode of teaching and learning. Most face-to-face classes can be conducted online at the same time if needed. Except for a few courses, the examinations will also be conducted online. The relating units/departments will notify teachers and students of the details separately by email.

Starting from 2 December, all canteens on CUHK campus can only accommodate two people per table.

The University advises all employees to pay attention to personal hygiene and take appropriate health protection measures. Wearing a mask on campus in accordance with the Government regulations is also required, and it is suggested that staff members avoid attending group gatherings.

During this period, the services of the University Clinic will continue to operate as usual. For details of the opening hours of other facilities of the University, please refer to the announcements of the respective offices.

In view of the latest development of the pandemic and to safeguard the health and safety of staff members, the departments and units of the University may exercise flexibility in work arrangements according to the job nature and operational necessity.  Heads of departments and units will inform staff members of the arrangements, and make separate announcements for adjusted service, where appropriate. 

Dear Students and Colleagues,

The current academic Term has now entered its 10^th week. Since mid-October, with the pandemic stabilizing somewhat in Hong Kong, more face-to-face classes for higher-level undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, as well as laboratory, studio or practicum-based courses, have been made available. The Centralized Study Spaces Booking System for students to find a quiet place to study on campus has also been implemented. Teaching and learning under the carefully planned “hybrid” mode of face-to-face and synchronous online academic activities has worked well. We appreciate the cooperation of students and staff for complying with the necessary precautionary measures to keep COVID-19 at bay. It is important that we keep in mind the health and wellbeing not only of ourselves but also of those around us.

Teaching and Examination Arrangements

For courses that require centrally organized invigilated final examinations, we will ensure that suitable venues are available should the course instructors choose to conduct them physically on campus. Whether the exams are best conducted online or in-person is a pedagogical question that is best decided by the course instructors. The arrangements for individual courses will be announced on CUSIS.

Assuming that the pandemic continues on a relatively moderate course, more on-campus teaching and learning activities should be possible in the Spring Term. Although prudence dictates that the current hybrid mode of teaching and learning will need to be maintained, some level-1 courses will be given priority for face-to-face teaching, in addition to the types of courses mentioned above. A healthy measure of on-campus learning experience is important for freshmen as they adjust to university life. With safe travel “bubbles” coming into place, some student exchange activities may also be possible in the Spring Term, although these are yet to be determined. As always, we will monitor the situation closely and make timely adjustments accordingly.

At the same time, we will continue to strengthen our e-learning capacity and develop innovative pedagogical approaches to learning under the new normal. Many colleagues deserve our heartfelt thanks, for they have invested enormous amounts of time and effort in making sure that learning continues to grow even in the time of the pandemic. We applaud also our wonderful students who valiantly embrace the new mode of teaching and learning and have been helping one another along the way.

Hostel Accommodation

For the best interest of student health and safety, single room occupancy and the standing rule that no visitors are allowed to stay overnight in the hostel rooms of all nine Colleges will continue to be strictly implemented. In addition to final-year students with prior hostel allocation, freshmen with assigned hostel places will also be given priority in the Spring Term. For inbound students, the prevailing specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation must be observed. New provisions will come into effect on 13^th  November. Please visit the Centre for Health Protection website for details on the latest announcements.

The increased hostel occupancy will make it very important that all health and infection control measures are strictly adhered to. Unauthorized boarding will incur disciplinary action. We thank the College Heads and Masters in agreeing to accommodate more students on campus, and we seek the understanding and cooperation of all students in ensuring that the halls of residence remain safe from COVID-19. As the coronavirus has proven to be highly infectious, we simply cannot afford to lower our guard even for a single moment.

As we indicated in our previous letter, so long as all of us take full responsibility in adhering to the needed infection control measures and are mindful of the wellbeing of others, we will be able to overcome whatever challenges that lie ahead.

Acting Together Against COVID-19

Earlier, we applied a disinfectant to walls and surfaces in lecture theatres and other high-density areas. We recently tested its efficacy and found it to be satisfactory, with few microbial colonies detected after 3 months of deployment. A second coating will be applied shortly. The WE R SMART slogan reminds us that wearing a mask, observing social distance, monitoring body temperature and washing hands frequently have now come almost naturally to us, and that they remain essential in the fight against COVID-19. The “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile app to be introduced by the HK Government is a helpful tool for us to keep track of the places we have visited, which can prove critical if contact tracing becomes necessary. Learning from the experiences of universities overseas, we know that the consequences would be dire if we do not take these measures seriously.

COVID-19 has been terrible, but it should motivate us to do more and spur innovation. We are not responding to the pandemic with stopgap measures, hoping that the “old normal” would return someday; rather, we should take this opportunity to chart new directions and strategies for the University to grow in its next phase of development. Over the past few months, the University has been consulting widely with students, staff and alumni on its new five-year strategic plan, which will include fresh initiatives in developing education and research, enriching student experience, enhancing human capital, expanding global engagement, spearheading sustainable development and social responsibility, deepening our ties with alumni, and advancing institutional development. We look forward to hearing more from you on “CUHK 2025” over the next few months.

Yours sincerely,

Rocky S. Tuan                                                Alan K.L. Chan
Vice-Chancellor and President               Provost

Note: The followings are suggested guidelines. Departments/course teachers concerned may adopt other precautionary measures as appropriate.

1. Precautionary measures

• Students, course teachers/invigilators concerned with one or more of the following conditions should not come back to the campus for the face-to-face examination, and they should make other appropriate arrangements.
  1. have travelled outside Hong Kong within 14 days before the day of examination;
  2. are still within the compulsory quarantine period;
  3. are living with family members/persons who are confirmed cases of COVID-19; or
  4. have chronic illness/other medical conditions.
• Students, invigilators and course teachers should monitor their own body temperature on each day before attending the examination. If their body temperature is at or higher than 37.5C or with presence of respiratory symptoms, they should seek medical advice immediately.
• Students should follow the Regulation to apply for absence from examination if their conditions do not permit them to take the examination, if applicable.

2. Before the examination

• Students, invigilators and course teachers concerned with body temperature at or higher than 37.5C or with presence of respiratory symptoms should not enter the examination venue. They should seek medical advice immediately.
• All students, course teachers/invigilators must pay attention to personal hygiene. They are required to put on surgical masks and use alcohol sanitizers to rub hands before entering the examination venue. Alcohol sanitizers should be provided at the building entrance, and surgical masks for students who are in need.
• Students should reserve ample time to enter the examination venue by batches to avoid crowd gathering at the entrances of the examination venue.
• Course teachers should arrange a suitable venue for the examination where social distancing can be enforced.
• In arrangements of seating, keep the physical distance between students at least one meter apart.
• Proper cleaning and disinfection of the examination venue MUST be done after each examination session.
• Try to maintain good indoor ventilation of the venue, e.g. open the windows, if possible.

3. During the examination

• All students, course teachers/invigilators are required to put on surgical masks during the whole examination, including oral examinations.
• No eating or drinking is allowed in the examination venue.

4. After the examination

Arrange students to leave the examination venue in batches, so as not to crowd the exits.

5. Contact Tracing

If in the unfortunate situation that a confirmed COVID-19 case is identified and who has attended the examination, the course teachers concerned should report to the University’s Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) immediately, and contact the management unit of the venue to arrange disinfection, and provide contact list of participants of the examination to the offices concerned to facilitate efficient contact tracing.

Note: The followings are suggested guidelines. Departments/course teachers concerned may adopt other precautionary measures as appropriate.

1. Precautionary measures

• Students and course teachers concerned with one or more of the following conditions should not come back to the campus for the face-to-face meetings, and they should make other appropriate arrangements.
  1. have travelled outside Hong Kong within 14 days before attending the class/laboratory session;
  2. are still within the compulsory quarantine period;
  3. are living with family members/persons who are confirmed cases of COVID-19; or
  4. have chronic illness/other medical conditions.
• Students and course teachers concerned should monitor their own body temperature on each day before attending the class/laboratory session. If their body temperature is at or higher than 37.5C or with presence of respiratory symptoms, they should seek medical advice immediately.

2. Before the class/laboratory session

• Students and course teachers concerned with body temperature at or higher than 37.5C or with presence of respiratory symptoms should not attend the class/laboratory session on the scheduled date. They should seek medical advice immediately.
• All students and course teachers must pay attention to personal hygiene. They are required to put on surgical masks and use alcohol sanitizers to rub hands before entering the venue. Alcohol sanitizers should be provided at the building entrance, and surgical masks for students who are in need.
• Students should reserve ample time to enter the venue by batches to avoid crowd gathering at the entrance of the venue.
• Course teachers should arrange a suitable venue for the class/laboratory session where social distancing can be enforced.
• There should be at least one meter apart between students in the seating arrangement. Students may also be arranged to sit in single rows with a ‘face-to-back’ setting (to face one direction), or chessboard-style seating arrangement.
• Proper physical distance for group activities should also be arranged. Avoid any close contact in classes, e.g. activities/games involving body contact. For teaching/learning activities to be conducted in groups, please always follow the Government’s announcement on the number of persons allowed for group gatherings in the arrangements. For PE and Music courses, course teachers also need to follow specific guidelines of relevant government offices in conducting the classes.
• Arrange students to take turn to use the laboratory in sessions and enforce proper social distancing.
• Proper cleaning and disinfection of the venues MUST be done every day.
• Try to maintain good indoor ventilation of the venue, e.g. open the windows, if possible.

3. During the class/laboratory session

• All students and course teachers are required to put on surgical masks all through the class/laboratory session.
• No eating or drinking is allowed inside the venue.

4. After the class/laboratory session

Arrange students to leave the venue in batches, so as not to crowd the exits.

5. Contact Tracing

If in the unfortunate situation that a confirmed COVID-19 case is identified and who has attended the class/laboratory session, the course teachers concerned should report to the University’s Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) immediately, and contact the management unit of the venue to arrange disinfection, and provide contact list of participants of the class/laboratory session to the offices concerned to facilitate efficient contact tracing.

Dear Students and Colleagues,

It is truly gratifying to see that the new term has gotten off to an excellent start, despite the trying circumstances. The University spares no effort to ensure that teaching and learning continue to forge ahead, with enhanced IT support and timely pedagogical interventions. A student survey and a teacher survey have already been conducted, to facilitate further improvements. Every member of the University deserves our heartfelt thanks, for their understanding and dedication in keeping the fire of education and research alight, under what can only be described as deeply distressing conditions.

Although thankfully the current wave of COVID-19 infections in Hong Kong has subsided, continued vigilance is absolutely necessary. The resurgence of cases after reopening of schools in some parts of the world reminds us of the need to make decisions on a rational basis. The health and wellbeing of our students and staff will continue to be our primary concern and guide our response to the pandemic.

From October 2020, the University will be gradually implementing the following measures.

Teaching Arrangements

A curated “hybrid” mode—a carefully planned combination of face-to-face and synchronous online academic activities—will define most teaching and learning under the “new normal”, without compromising the desired learning outcomes. With the considerably stabilized conditions in Hong Kong, we can now recalibrate the pedagogical equation to include more face-to-face academic activities. This applies especially to higher-level undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, as well as lab/studio/practicum-based courses, for which face-to-face interactions are particularly beneficial. The University has been working closely with the Faculties, in consultation with Departments and course instructors, on the plan to resume face-to-face teaching activities in a gradual manner, with the aim of balancing pedagogical needs and health risk of the campus community.

Social distancing measures will be put in place to ensure that face-to-face teaching is conducted safely. These include setting limits to seating capacity in lecture theatres and seminar rooms, as well as taking attendance to facilitate contact tracing, should it become necessary.  As some students may be unable to return to campus for various reasons, including travel restrictions, all classes will have an online option.  For these students, individual consultations with the course instructors will provide additional support. 

Changes to the mode of teaching for individual courses will be announced on CUSIS, and sufficient time will be allowed for students to add/ drop courses.

Hostel Accommodation

To safeguard student health and safety, and indeed that of the entire community, all hostel rooms in the nine Colleges will be converted to single occupancy. Consequently, the number of available hostel places will be significantly reduced. We recognize that final-year undergraduate students face added challenges in completing their graduation requirements. For that reason, final-year students with previously allocated hostel places will be accorded priority in taking up College accommodation. Residential space will also be set aside by the University and Colleges for contingency purpose.

There is no change to hostel fees for those originally assigned a double occupancy room. The standing rule that no visitors are allowed to stay overnight will be strictly enforced in all nine Colleges. Subject to availability, other students with special needs to stay on campus may be admitted by their respective Colleges. Further details will be forthcoming from the Colleges shortly. For postgraduate students, separate admission processes are already in place at the Postgraduate Halls.

Infection Control Measures

We are likely to have to live with the new coronavirus for the foreseeable future. If all of us take full responsibility in adhering to the needed infection control measures, we will be able to overcome whatever challenges that lie ahead. At the University, smart thermal cameras have been installed in relatively high-density areas, and vending machines dispensing masks have been deployed at various locations on campus. All lecture theatres and classrooms have also been sprayed with a long-lasting disinfectant coating. Wearing a mask is a proven measure in protecting oneself and others from possible infection. Social distancing, not only in the classrooms or libraries but also in canteens and common rooms, and practices of personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing, will go a long way in keeping the campus safe. To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, campus members should avoid group gatherings and are strongly advised NOT to conduct any large-scale events or events involving catering.

Please remember that, by being considerate, we are contributing to the fight against COVID-19. In exemplifying the CUHK spirit, we are making a difference at a time when empathy and mutual help are particularly needed.

Please also let us take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and joyous Mid-Autumn Festival.

Yours sincerely,

Rocky S. Tuan                                                Alan K.L. Chan
Vice-Chancellor and President               Provost

The Universal Community Testing Programme is a one-off voluntary programme scheduled to run for 7 days from 1 September 2020, and may be extended to 14 days in total depending on the situation. If a staff member is scheduled to take the COVID-19 test under the Programme during work hours, the staff member may apply to his/her supervisor for time release to go to the community testing centre. Supporting document, e.g. notification of appointment showing the location of the test centre, date and time should be presented. Subject to operational practicability, Heads of Departments/Units may allow the staff member to attend the test by time release.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) implemented special work arrangements earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and only essential and major services have been provided in campus. In view of the latest development of the pandemic situation, CUHK announces that Departments/Units will make necessary arrangements to ramp up to full operation gradually from 24 August, to cater to teaching and learning, related activities and service needs. Staff members will be informed of the work arrangements by their respective Heads of Departments/Units accordingly. The first semester of the new academic year will begin on 7 September as scheduled.

For more information on how the University is coping with COVID-19, please visit Act Together Against COVID-19 website.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces today (13 August) that the special work arrangement for staff members will be extended to 23 August. The University will continue to closely monitor the situation and make announcement on the latest work arrangement as appropriate. 

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces today (6 August) that the special work arrangement for staff members will be extended to 16 August.

The University will continue to closely monitor the situation and make announcement on the latest work arrangement as appropriate. 

In view of the severe COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that the existing special work arrangement for staff members will be extended to 9 August.

The University will continue to closely monitor and review the situation and make announcement on the latest work arrangement as appropriate. For more information on how the University is coping with COVID-19, please visit Act Together Against COVID-19 website.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that daytime dine-in services for breakfast and lunch in CUHK canteens will resume from tomorrow (31 July). Infection control measures for the dine-in arrangement will be in accordance with the Government regulations. For the details of opening hours and arrangements, please contact the respective canteens or visit https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/campus/accommodation.html#canteen_info

For more information, please visit Act Together Against COVID-19 website.

In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces the following enhanced infection control measures: 

1. To protect the health and safety of staff during the rapid spread of COVID-19, as well as to minimize the passenger flow on public transportation and gathering at workplaces, departments/units will review and maintain only services and operation at the essential and necessary level. Staff members will be informed of the detailed arrangements on work onsite or work-from-home or rotation schedule by their respective department/unit heads. 
2. All dine-in services in CUHK canteens will be suspended for 7 days starting from July 29 until 4 August. For the details of opening hours and arrangements, please contact the respective canteens.
3. The University advises all employees to pay attention to personal hygiene and take appropriate health protection measures. Wearing a mask on campus in accordance with the Government regulations is also required, and it is suggested that staff members avoid attending group gatherings.

For more information, please visit Act Together Against COVID-19 website. 

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that the special work arrangement for staff members will be extended to 2 August.

Except for those staff providing essential and necessary services, staff members whose work permits offsite handling are not required to return to office but should work from home. Staff members will be informed of the detailed arrangements by their respective department/unit heads.

The University will continue to closely monitor the situation and make announcement on the latest work arrangement as appropriate.

Dear Students and Colleagues,

In our previous letter dated 30 June 2020, we mapped out a plan for the start of the 2020–21 academic year. While we were mindful of a possible resurgence of COVID-19 in Hong Kong and had planned for it, the situation then allowed resumption of on-campus face-to-face teaching and learning with safe social distancing and other health protection measures in place. Today, with the alarming surge of COVID-19 in Hong Kong and many other parts of the world, it is evident that we need to raise the emergency response level and activate our contingency plan for the Fall Term. To ensure the health and wellbeing of our students and staff, the following measures will now be put in place:

1. All student orientation activities will be conducted online. Social distancing, avoidance of group gatherings and minimizing the use of public transport will help mitigate the spread of infection.
2. Classes will be conducted online until such time as the pandemic stabilizes. Given the valuable experience gained in the last academic year and the continued investment in enhancing our e-learning capacity, including synchronous teaching, we are confident that online teaching will be able to achieve the desired learning outcomes while keeping our students and staff safe from possible infection. With strong pedagogical justification, exceptions may be granted for lab/studio/practicum-based and professional undergraduate and postgraduate courses on a case-by-case basis. No effort will be spared, including assistance for students with special needs, in providing a fruitful learning experience for all students. Further details will be forthcoming when the timetable is finalized, and advance notice will be given for any subsequent changes.
3. Students currently residing outside Hong Kong are strongly advised not to return to campus at this time. This may necessitate changes to your travel arrangements, but your health and safety must come first. For students who have already started their journey or are unable to change their travel plans, please be reminded that stringent medical testing at the port of entry, and for some areas, port of embarkation, will be required. Compulsory quarantine upon arrival will also be strictly observed. Your affiliated Colleges and hostels will be in touch soon to provide support and guidance.
4. Hostel applications for local students will be suspended until further notice. Students domiciled locally are advised to avoid crowded places and make every effort to keep COVID-19 at bay. You will hear from your affiliated College on the specific arrangements.

We understand that the above measures will cause considerable disruption, and understandably, disappointment. The recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong and elsewhere teaches us how little we know of this disease and how important it is to be able to respond quickly and responsibly. We would like to reiterate that the health and wellbeing of our campus community remains our top priority, and we seek your understanding and continued support as we navigate together through this difficult time. With a concerted community effort, COVID-19 can be contained, if not defeated.

This will not be the last time we write before the Fall Term commences. There may be further adjustments, and alternative plans based on different scenarios are in place. We will of course continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you informed.

In the meantime, we wish you a safe and productive summer.

Yours sincerely,

Rocky S. Tuan                                                Alan K.L. Chan
Vice-Chancellor and President               Provost

In view of the worsening risk of the spread of COVID-19, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces special work arrangements that will be implemented from tomorrow (20 July). Except for those staff providing essential and necessary services, staff members whose work permits offsite handling are not required to return to office but should work from home. This temporary arrangement will last for one week until 26 July and the University will closely monitor and review the situation as appropriate. Staff members will be informed of the detailed arrangements by their respective department/unit heads.

All face-to-face teaching and learning activities on campus will be suspended until 26 July.

During this period, the out-patient services of the University Clinic will continue to operate as usual. The shuttle bus service on campus will be limited to the special H-line (service available during 07:30-23:20), while the paid shuttle light bus services will remain unchanged. For details of the opening hours of other facilities of the University, please refer to the announcements of the respective offices.

In view of the rising number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in HK, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (the University) will adopt the following arrangements to safeguard the health and safety of all students and staff:

(1) Class arrangement:
The 2019-2020 summer session has ended on 11 July. The University will closely monitor the situation and announce any changes to the teaching arrangements for the new semester, should they become necessary.

(2) Work arrangement from 14 July:
All departments and units will maintain normal services and operation. The University encourages all Department/ Unit heads to exercise flexibility under practical and allowable circumstances according to operational needs, including staggered reporting time and lunch hours, or work-from-home where the job nature permits.

Those who feel ill are advised to seek immediate medical consultation, inform their unit heads of the situation and stay home.

The University’s Emergency Response Group has prepared a list of emergency measures in case any staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is classified as a close contact by the Department of Health. The University calls upon all staff to stay vigilant against COVID-19 and wishes everyone good health and safety.

For more information on how the University is coping with COVID-19, please visit Act Together Against COVID-19 website.

Dear Students and Colleagues,

We write at a time when things are returning to something resembling normality in Hong Kong, while other parts of the world are still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Without letting our guard down or being overly optimistic, we would like to bring to your attention how we propose to start the new semester in the fall of 2020.

While the decision to move to online classes and home office on the first appearance of the COVID-19 threats in January needed to be swift and bold, that to re-open the campus and resume in-person teaching and activities must be cautious and thoroughly deliberated. At the first threats of the novel coronavirus, the Emergency Response Group was formed, led by the Vice-Chancellor and President and staffed by members of senior management and relevant heads of the professional and administrative services units. The Group has been meeting regularly and frequently to keep abreast of local and overseas developments and to deliberate on infection control and academic and work arrangements, always informed and advised by the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP). The Group also consulted and conferred with members of the Colleges, Faculties, other units and outside parties and experts to arrive at decisions and take necessary actions in the face of fast-changing challenges.

What will the Fall Term look like?

We are pleased to state that we now feel confident in commencing the Fall Term of 2020–21 on 7 September as originally scheduled. That said, the health and well-being of our campus population must remain our top priority and every effort will be made to ensure that our campus is free from infection while pursuing our educational objectives and goals. If there is one overarching rule that should inform all our academic and non-academic undertakings, it is physical distancing. Needless to say, physical distancing will be enforced in all places and at all times to prevent infection and implement containment if the intractable virus should find its way into our campus.

With this in mind, we have conducted various simulations and estimated that we should be able to accommodate face-to-face teaching for more than 80% of the classes scheduled for the Fall Term, provided the timetable is stretched and classrooms fully utilized. This may inconvenience some students and faculty, and understanding and patience will be much appreciated.

However, the need to avoid large gatherings and to cater for unforeseen emergencies means that online teaching and learning will still be a part of the “new normal”. There should be minimal cause for concern, as our students, faculty and staff, especially given the experience of the last school term, are now adept in making full use of technology in achieving the desired learning or work-related outcomes. We believe that, with the enhancement in WiFi connectivity and IT capabilities, online teaching and learning will only get better and better. Depending on the pedagogical needs of individual courses, a hybrid mode of online and in-person teaching will be the new norm, and very few of us will experience that sense of unwieldiness as we did a few months ago. You will hear more on the specifics of class scheduling and related arrangements from the Provost, the Registry and/or individual Departments/Divisions in the days to come.

What are the key infection control measures on campus?

A safe campus is a prerequisite to the success of the new term. Various precautionary measures have been or will be implemented to ensure that students will be able to pursue their studies and staff to carry out their work on campus as safely and effectively as possible, including but not limited to the following:

1. Face masks have to be worn at all times on campus, particularly on school buses and in indoor areas.
2. There will be body temperature checkpoints at key University venues, together with supplies of hand sanitizers and face mask vending machines.
3. Cleaning and sanitizing regimes will be instituted in common areas, including classrooms, libraries, and sports grounds, and in facilities such as elevators and buses.
4. There will be protocols of entry to and exit from classrooms and laboratories as well as of seating arrangement (at least 1.5 m apart, all facing one direction and alternate seating) to effect the optimal level of physical distancing in both lectures and tutorials.
5. The medical team at the University Health Service will take care of the sick and facilitate virus testing in suspected cases or for those that come in close contact therewith.

What is the arrangement for student residents?

The University and all nine Colleges are making every effort to facilitate new and returning non-local students to fulfil the compulsory home quarantine requirements, if applicable, before the Fall Term starts on 7 September. Students will be arranged to arrive on campus in a staggered manner starting from as early as mid-July. Such an arrangement naturally presents considerable practical challenges. Individual Colleges and hostels will exercise their specific arrangements to balance the inauguration of residential life with compliance of public health regulations in terms of self-isolation or compulsory home quarantine. It is therefore important that residents pay close attention to the specific timeframes and logistics of individual Colleges and hostels and, in the case of those coming from abroad, plan their itineraries carefully. For those who arrive late for the beginning of the term due to reasons beyond their control, we will also make alternative arrangements to keep the disruption to their studies and campus life to a minimum.

For local student residents, we expect that you can check-in on 5 September as long as the coronavirus pandemic remains under control. However, the physical settings, operations and activities in hostels will be adjusted to comply with the infection control and social distancing guidelines. We will also need to set aside contingency residential space to accommodate a possible resurgence of infections in Hong Kong. We hope that all members will continue to demonstrate flexibility and patience, as well as a collaborative community spirit during this uncertain time.

Brace for the New Normal

Physical distancing also means that many events, gatherings and co-curricular activities have to be scaled down or closely regulated from the public health angle. A task force under the Emergency Response Group has issued the “Referencing Guidelines for Social and Non-academic Events during COVID-19” to provide guidance on the planning and operation of on-campus events. The guidelines will be updated and kept commensurate with the current public health measures and regulations. We will also continue to implement access control into the University for better crowd management and contact tracing should it become necessary.

With all the necessary measures in place, we are confident that CUHK is turning a new leaf in its annals in a thoughtful and orderly manner. Credits must go to our students, staff, alumni and donors who have not only been doing their parts most diligently, but also going beyond the call of duty in many instances to help the University as a whole to navigate this challenging time. No words can adequately describe our gratitude to these dedicated members of the CUHK family. We are particularly heartened by the enthusiastic responses to the CU RElief (CURE) Fund which has already raised funds to make available employment opportunities for over 300 of our graduates. It is this spirit of solidarity and looking out for each other that gives us the confidence that we can ride out the pandemic challenge together.

While the world eagerly awaits the development of a vaccine targeted against SARS-Cov-2 and effective treatments for COVID-19, CUHK will remain vigilant on all fronts to safeguard the well-being of all members of the CUHK community. The Emergency Response Group will continue to execute its responsibilities dutifully to meet current and future challenges related to COVID-19. We will keep monitoring and assessing the situation and keep you posted in an expedient and timely manner.

Yours sincerely,

Rocky S. Tuan                                                Alan K.L. Chan
Vice-Chancellor and President               Provost

To              All Staff
From        Provost
Enquiry   info.prvo@cuhk.edu.hk

Dear Colleagues,

With Term 2, AY2019/2020, now behind us, it is time to plan for September. But, first, please let me thank all of you for stepping up so brilliantly in the face of truly trying circumstances. Though the results of the CTE exercise for Term 2 are still being analyzed, looking at the broad, headline figures there is cause for optimism. For example, students responded positively to the question whether “the teacher made effective use of the online platform to promote interaction and engagement,” with an adjusted mean score of 4.94 on a 6-point scale. The overall satisfaction level was high as well, at 5.03 and 5.30, for the course and the teacher, respectively.

These are gratifying results, reflecting your commitment to education. The CTE serves an important developmental function, and the results will be interpreted holistically during the annual academic staff development review, taking into account the many difficulties colleagues faced. While the efficacy of online teaching and learning will continue to invite debate, there is little doubt that advances in technology will have a significant impact on education. We need to continue to innovate, not only adapting to but more importantly, also playing a leading role both locally and globally in enhancing the changing landscape of teaching and learning. Such effort should be recognized, and I encourage you to share your best practices, so that we can grow as a community.

A special note of thanks to our wonderful non-academic staff is also due. The contributions of our teaching assistants should not go unmentioned as well. Without your dedication and tireless effort, we would not have survived Term 2! 

The Summer Session is already underway. Some 7,000 students are enrolled in one or more of the 265 courses on offer. The threat of COVID-19 remains high, even though the local situation seems to have stabilized. As I shared previously, this is certainly not the time to let our guard down. While some small group academic activities, especially lab sessions, studio work and practicums may now be conducted on campus and in person, online teaching/learning remains the norm. We seek your understanding, as the health and well-being of our community must outweigh other concerns.

What form will teaching/learning take come September? What will the “new normal” look like? 100% face-to-face classroom teaching seems unlikely. 100% online may be avoided, but the “mixed” or “hybrid” mode that lies in between may still take different forms.

Fundamentally, we need to assume that COVID-19 will not just disappear, which entails that some level of social distancing and other preventive measures will have to be maintained. A class of 30 students, for example, will require a lecture theatre that can accommodate at least twice that number, if face-to-face meetings were to be conducted. Some form of seating arrangement may have to be devised, so as to facilitate contact tracing should it become necessary. During the summer, Departments/ Faculties/ Colleges should address the need to enhance their WiFi and computing facilities. One thing we can be sure of is that the demand for online learning will not diminish.

More importantly, we should plan with clear pedagogical objectives in mind, and not treat this merely as a logistical exercise. The Registry is thus looking into the teaching needs of all our courses in the new academic Term. For some courses, large or small, online platforms may be equally or more effective in delivering the desired learning outcomes, whereas for others face-to-face meetings may be preferred. Freshmen may benefit especially from at least a measure of on-campus learning experience. Final year students, too, may need to come back to campus to complete their projects. In the end, we may adopt several “hybrid” forms of teaching and learning. Whatever the case, every effort will be made to ensure that we continue to deliver the highest quality education to our students.

What will College residential life look like? What steps do we take if in the not altogether unlikely event that one of the residents falls prey to COVID-19? The Emergency Response Group chaired by the Vice-Chancellor continues to meet regularly and is making every preparation. In the final analysis, a higher level of health awareness and new social habits will inform the “new normal,” which requires understanding, discipline, and above all, being considerate and watching out for the well-being of others.

Thank you again. We will continue to update everyone as the pandemic evolves. In the meantime, please let me wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy and productive summer ahead.

Provost

Background

In view of the serious impact of COVID-19 across the globe, and its high risk of spreading within a community, the ‘Task Force on Social and Non-academic Events and Workplace Arrangements during COVID-19’ has been established by the Emergency Response Group led by the Vice-Chancellor, with an aim to set out a set of referencing guidelines for all internal event organisers to assess the risk of hosting social and non-academic events.

Objectives

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the HKSAR Government have already declared COVID-19 a pandemic and raised it to the emergency level. It is also important to note that no effective vaccine and definitive treatment against COVID-19 are available up to now and the virus could cause a tragic loss of human life.

To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, all departments/units are strongly advised NOT to organize any large-scale events and events involving catering. If it is necessary to host an event, the organizers are strongly advised to consider alternative ways or formats to avoid gathering. Group dining activities should be avoided as far as possible. If it is absolutely necessary to organize large-scale events, e.g. in accordance with statutory requirements, the organizers should implement effective preventive measures to control and limit the transmission of the virus with consideration on social distancing, crowd and environmental control like providing hand sanitizers, arranging body temperature check and requiring participants to wear surgical masks or other measures judged necessary.

In this challenging and unprecedented time, a set of referencing guidelines is provided below to help organisers to consider whether to continue, postpone or cancel an event. This set of referencing guidelines is not prescriptive, and the final decision will be rested on the event organisers.

The development concerning COVID-19 is changing every day. All event organizers are advised to closely monitor the pandemic situation. They should refer to the updated announcements, guidelines and regulations issued by the WHO, the HKSAR Government, the University and its Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) and adjust their event planning and organization.

It is important to control and manage events well in this critical time, otherwise they might turn into a crisis for the related unit, department and University.

Event Planning

Risk Assessment

• To reduce the risk of infection, all departments/units are strongly advised NOT to organize any large-scale events.
• If it is a statutory requirement to host the event, ensure the event is arranged in accordance with the HKSAR Government and the University’s guidelines and regulations on infection control.
• Event organisers MUST observe current government policy on social distancing.

Nature and Scale

• Organisers are strongly advised to avoid activities with frequent body contact (e.g. sports games) and activities where the participants have to take off their surgical masks (e.g. singing).
• Explore alternative ways or formats for hosting the event, like live streaming or a digital platform, so that it could be conducted in a safe environment to minimise physical contact and interaction among people and engage them by other means.
• Limit the number of participants in not more than 50 and reduce the number of participants to ensure social distancing of 6 feet all the time.

Finance and Insurance

• Consider fee refund or waive any penalty charges to the participants, vendors, and other parties concerned, if the event is to be postponed or cancelled as a result of the development of COVID-19.
• Check the insurance policies and terms on event postponement or cancellation.

Event Operation

Venue

• Step up cleansing of the event venue.
• Maintain good ventilation if the event is to be held indoors.
• Arrange manpower to measure the body temperature for each participant in particular for events to be held indoor or in an enclosed area. Those with body temperature higher than 37.5°C should not be allowed to attend the event.
• All participants should wear surgical masks, and practice social distancing with at least 6 feet’s social distance between participants.
• Observe the current HKSAR Government and the University’s guidelines and regulations on infection control and social distancing.
• Explore the possibilities of arranging the event outdoors with fresh air supply.
• Consider digital systems to speed up the check-in/registration of participants to reduce the number of people lining up/gathering at the registration counter/venue entrance.

Staff, Workers and Participants

• Keep track on where the participants will be coming from if the activity involves any participants who have been to any overseas countries/areas in the past 14 days. Check their status to know if they have been in quarantine for 14 days.
• Avoid involving the elderly or people with health problems/special needs as they are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection.
• Keep the contact details of participants and staff to facilitate contact tracing by the authorities in case any suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 is found.
• Manage the expectations of the participants if the event has to be postponed or cancelled.

Physical Contact

• Redesign the programme or shorten the duration of the event for the sake of reducing physical contact or interaction time.
• Avoid any close contact during the event, e.g. shaking hands, and activities/games involving body contact.
• Keep at least 6 feet’s social distance between participants all the time.
• Stagger the arrival and departure time of participants.
• Set up physical distancing arrangements in toilet areas.

Hygiene

• Provide hand sanitizers for all participants and workers.
• Ensure all participants, performers and workers wear surgical masks during the whole event.
• Provide surgical masks for people in need.
• Remind all participants and workers about personal hygiene and the protective measures to be taken before and during the event, e.g. sending notice to the participants beforehand; posting messages or signage on site.

Food and Beverage

• Due to the high risk of infection involved in group dining activities, in which the participants have to remove their surgical masks, event organizers are advised to cancel all catering/dining arrangements during the events.

Facilities and Equipment

• Arrange cleaning of the venue, entrance, exit, seats, toilets and all related facilities before and after the event.
• Arrange manpower to disinfect the microphones and props after each use during the event.
• If transport is provided to participants, ensure the cleaning of the vehicle and increase the frequency of transport provision.

Contact Tracing

• If in the unfortunate situation that a confirmed COVID-19 case is identified and who has attended your event, please do the following immediately:
  • Report to the University’s Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) at 3943-6436 (tel) or email: chpp@cuhk.edu.hk.
  • Report to the Head of Unit, College Head/ Master or Faculty Dean.
  • Contact the management unit of the venue to arrange disinfection.
• Provide the contact list of participants and staff (if available) to the authorities to facilitate efficient contact tracing.
• Make available a contingency plan for cancelling the event when unpredicted situation occurs.

Remarks

This set of referencing guidelines is prepared by the “Task Force on Social and Non-academic Events and Workplace Arrangements during COVID-19” and is updated on 21 May 2020. This document will be reviewed and revised regularly in the light of measurers announced by the relevant authorities in connection with the development and impact of COVID-19. For more information, please visit “Act Together Against COVID-19 website at https://againstcovid19.cuhk.edu.hk/.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the global community and to members of the university. To support university members during the current period of adversity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) launched the CU RElief Fund (CURE Fund), which aims to provide assistance and support to members who are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and to enhance the resilience of the CUHK community. 

The main relief objectives of the CURE Fund are:

(1) To provide on-campus part-time job opportunities with student helper allowance for current CUHK full-time undergraduate students to help alleviate their financial stress;

(2) To provide short-term job opportunities at the University for graduating students of the class of 2020 and alumni of the class of 2019. The CURE Fund Management Committee is also in discussion with various organizations to create job opportunities.  The aim is to help graduating students and young alumni to gain work experience and competitiveness in the face of high unemployment rate and declining job openings during the current severe economic downturn; and  

(3) To provide interest-free emergency loans for full-time staff members in junior posts (on Terms of Service C and equivalent terms) to ease their families’ financial difficulties.

Professor Rocky Tuan, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, along with all seven Pro-Vice-Chancellors/Vice-Presidents, will donate 15% of their salaries for the remaining months of the current year to seed the CURE Fund. 

CUHK is calling for donations to support the CURE Fund and to help CUHK members in need to overcome adversity. The University also sincerely invites interested organizations to offer job opportunities for graduating students and young alumni. Please contact the CURE Fund Management Committee for details (tel: 3943-1931; email: curefund@cuhk.edu.hk).

For information on donation and application, please visit www.cuhk.edu.hk/oia/cure-fund

To              All teachers
From        Provost, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Registrar
Enquiry   registrar@cuhk.edu.hk 

Dear teachers,

The University has announced earlier that all Summer Session courses will be conducted online. In the light of the improving conditions in the recent development of COVID-19, and the Government’s gradual relaxation of related measures, the University has reviewed the situation and decided that some face-to-face teaching and learning activities may be allowed for courses offered in the Summer Session, subject to the two most important concerns of student and staff safety, as well as pedagogical needs being met. 

The following arrangements for undergraduate courses offered in the Summer Session will be adopted:

1. Online teaching and learning may be complemented with carefully planned face-to-face meetings.
2. Face-to-face meetings (including lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions) will be limited to a maximum of 50 students at any one time.
3. Online instruction should continue to be provided for students not residing in Hong Kong and students who choose not to return to campus.
4. Students with chronic illness or other medical conditions should be advised to stay home for the time being.
5. On-campus examinations that require invigilation may be conducted face-to-face for students residing in Hong Kong at the time of examination. This is not applicable to other forms of assessment as stated in the assessment schemes of individual courses, such as term paper, projects, thesis, practicum etc.
6. For those courses that will have face-to-face classes and examinations, special online arrangements will be made by individual course teachers for non-local students who are not residing in Hong Kong for the classes and at the time of the examinations. Special arrangements should also be made for students with medical or special needs. 
7. All classes/ learning activities/ examinations conducted face-to-face must observe safe distancing and other precautionary measures as specified by the University.
8. Pass/ Fail grading option for all courses in Summer Session will be offered, except for courses specified by the Faculty/ Offering unit concerned.
9. Students may opt for Pass/Fail for the applicable courses, capped at a maximum of 3 credit units, exclusive of Physical Education courses.
10. The normal procedure for Summer Session late course add/ drop will be observed.

Face-to-face meetings of Summer Session courses are by applications, with full details of the activities and pedagogical reasons, and endorsement by the Department and Faculty concerned.  All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Details of the arrangements will be announced by the Registration and Examinations Section (RES) shortly.

Since the Pass/ Fail grading option is irrevocable, and although Term GPA is not applicable to Summer Session, the grades obtained (i.e. Pass or Fail) will not contribute to the Major GPA where applicable, and Cumulative GPA.  All students have been strongly advised to consult their Academic Advisors and Major Departments before making their choice.

Thank you once again for all your support to the provision of quality teaching and learning to our students during such a difficult time.  We hope that there will be further improvements in the pandemic situation when the new Academic Year begins.

Provost
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education)
Registrar 

In view of the stabilizing COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces the gradual resumption of normal operation of all University Departments/Units from 4 May 2020. Heads of Departments/Units will review the operating environment and may make adjustments or take special measures where appropriate, in line with the Government’s advice on prudent management of interpersonal contacts. Staff members will be informed of the work arrangements by their respective Heads of Departments/Units accordingly.

Meanwhile, the four core subject examinations of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) will be held until 5 May. On these days, a large number of candidates are expected to travel to examination venues by public transport between 7 am and 8 am. All departments/units will continue to adopt flexible work arrangements during this period in order to help reduce the peak-hour passenger flow.

Staff members are reminded to refer to the precautionary measures announced by the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection for enhancing personal protection and hygiene. Staff members with special needs (e.g. pregnant staff or staff with long-term illness) may discuss with their supervisors special work arrangements where practicable.

The on-campus shuttle bus service will be strengthened according to actual needs. Staff members may refer to the announcement of the Transport Office at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/transport_office/ . The opening hours of campus canteens will be announced on the webpage in due course.

Students and staff are welcome to visit the “Act Together Against COVID-19” website for more information.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that the Chung Chi College entrance (Chung Chi Gate) on Tai Po Road will be reopened to vehicles and pedestrians at 8 am, 28 April (Tuesday). The campus access management measures will remain in place. If the vehicle does not carry a valid CUHK parking permit, the driver or passenger shall present their CU Link cards or other CUHK identity proofs. Alumni going to the campus shall present their Alumni Library Cards or CU Alumni Credit Cards to prove their identity. Pedestrians are required to present their CUHK related identity proofs.  Persons who fail to present the aforesaid identity proofs are required to register their identity information with the security guard.

The No. 2 Bridge (the Bridge), after installation of reinforcing fences on newly built roadbeds, has been handed back from the Highways Department to the University for management in late March. The surface of the Bridge and its connecting roads have been severely damaged earlier. As a result of the above-mentioned fencing construction works, the Bridge has been narrowed from the original two-lane road to a single-lane road. The University is required to make repairs on the roads and implement appropriate traffic arrangement, the works on which will soon be completed. The University will reopen the Bridge to vehicle and pedestrian traffic at 8 am, 28 April.

Repair and New Traffic Arrangements of No. 2 Bridge are as follows:

Road Repair

The roads on the Bridge and its immediate surroundings have been severely damaged. The University has to repair and re-patch the road surface. New traffic signs have to be painted and erected.  Damaged pedestrian fencing have to be re-installed.

New Traffic Arrangements

(1) Pedestrian Road

• A pavement will be retained on the south side of the Bridge allowing pedestrians to travel between Campus Circuit East and the East Gate at Science Park Road as before.

(2) Vehicular Road

• The repaired Bridge will be narrowed from its original two-lane road to single-lane road. A heavy load limit of 24 tons will be implemented. Any vehicles over the limit will not be allowed to pass across the Bridge.
• The total length of the Bridge and its connecting roads is around 200 meters. There are right-angle turns at both ends of the bridge, and the arch-shape of the bridge forms a terrain which obscures drivers’ ability to see approaching vehicles from a distance. Traffic accidents have occurred at the scene multiple times in the past.
• The University has reviewed the feasibility of adopting one-lane two-way traffic by installing traffic signals.  Field trial tests using various types of vehicles have also been conducted. The results showed that if in the case that a vehicle jumps a red light in a one-lane two-way traffic scenario, the traffic will be easily paralysed or even cause a serious traffic accident in the case of a head-on collision.
• As the University considers safety a top priority, to avoid the likelihood of having traffic paralysis and serious accidents, the repaired road will become one-lane one-way traffic. Vehicles can only use the Bridge to enter Campus Circuit East from the East Gate.

The University acknowledges that the above arrangements may cause inconvenience to some drivers. Nonetheless, for the safety of all road users, the University hopes colleagues will understand the necessity of the new traffic arrangements on this road section.

In view of the continuing surge of confirmed cases and the spread of COVID-19, the University is obliged to take further precautionary measures to safeguard the health and well-being of its members. In this regard, the University has decided to impose additional necessary social distancing measures on campus starting from today (30 March). Except for emergency and essential activities critical to the operation of the University, all forms of activity and social gathering among students and staff in campus will be reduced to a minimal level to prevent infection. These measures include the following:

Restaurants, canteens and communal areas

Restaurants and canteens on campus are required to maintain precautionary measures including allowing no more than 4 persons to sit together at one table, performing body temperature screening on each customer before entering the catering premises, and all customers must wear a mask at any time except when consuming food or drink. Social distancing measures in all communal areas, study rooms, and pantries in College hostels should now be strictly observed to avoid gatherings of more than 4 people.

Laboratories

Research activities in laboratories should be maintained at a minimal level as far as applicable. Staff and students should observe strict social distancing measures to avoid gatherings of over 4 people at any one time. Face masks should be worn at all times.

All the above measures will take effect immediately and until further notice. The University will continue to closely monitor the situation and review the actions taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. For more information on how the University is coping with COVID-19, please visit Act Together Against COVID-19 website.

From Monday 30 March ALL CUHK libraries, including the Learning Garden in the University Library and the Medical Library will be temporarily closed for two weeks to reduce the risk from Covid-19. The Library’s electronic collection and remote support from Library staff will still be available to support your learning and research.

In view of the latest development in the COVID-19 pandemic, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) will step up the precautionary measures to further reduce the risks of the novel coronavirus infection arising from social contacts. The University has decided to close all sports and communal facilities on campus starting from today (27 March 2020) until further notice. This also applies to the leisure facilities and common rooms in the student hostels and staff quarters.

CUHK libraries have been closed except the Li Ping Medical Library (open 24/7 unstaffed) and part of the University Library’s Learning Garden, which are open for CUHK students and staff. To support learning and teaching, a book retrieval service is available for CUHK students and staff during this period.

The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection also recommends that students and staff should take appropriate precautionary measures when dining at restaurants and canteens in the campus, maintain social distancing and avoid having meals face-to-face to reduce the risk of virus transmission. For those facilities which need to remain open to maintain essential services, the University will impose all practicable precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

It has been more than two months since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Although we very much hope to resume face-to-face teaching during this term when the situation allows, we are facing the most recent development of COVID-19 into a pandemic disease. Since the well-being and health of students and staff are of the University’s utmost concern, and in view of the situation in which a certain number of students, especially international students have returned to their home towns, the University has decided that all courses will continue to be conducted online until the end of Term 2 on 2 May 2020. In addition, all courses of the Summer Session will also be conducted online. For the teaching arrangements of the Faculty of Medicine, please contact the relating office for details.

The University urges all CUHK members to be vigilant against COVID-19, observe risk mitigation measures and maintain social distance to prevent infection. For more information on how the University is coping with COVID-19, please visit Act Together Against COVID-19 website.

In view of the latest development of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has decided that starting from 23 March (Monday), only limited services will be provided by the departments/units until further notice.  Work arrangements for staff members will be made according to actual needs.  Staff members of individual departments/units will be informed of the specific arrangements for on-site work or work-from-home by their respective heads/supervisors. 

The Faculty of Medicine will make separate announcement regarding work arrangements for its staff.

The University reminds all staff again to stay vigilant against the spread of COVID-19. The risk mitigation measures should be stringently maintained, and all staff should observe social distancing measures to prevent infection. For more information on the University’s measures and policies, please visit the “Act Together Against COVID-19” website. 

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) will host the “Class Acts” CUHK Online Talk Series for students between March and April to encourage ongoing learning at home and self-improvement by acquiring knowledge in various areas during the pandemic. Demonstrating the vibrant academic environment of CUHK, nine public lectures will be presented by CUHK scholars in simple terms, outstanding in their areas of expertise, through the video conferencing platform Zoom. The lectures are free to the public, in particular local secondary and college students and those from the Mainland and overseas countries.

The first lecture presented by Professor Alan Kam Leung CHAN, Provost of CUHK on the theme of “Higher Learning in the Era of Industry 4.0” will be held on 20 March and a Q & A session is arranged for greater interaction between the speaker and participants. The outstanding scholars from eight faculties, namely Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and Social Science, will give their views on their respective areas of expertise. The topics cover artificial intelligence (AI), gravitational waves, the application of robots in education for Special Educational Needs students, and the law of treasure hunting, amongst others. Details of the lectures are as follows. For more information on the arrangement and speakers’ profiles, please visit https://againstcovid19.cuhk.edu.hk/class-acts-online-talk/.

Dear students and colleagues,

Latest Overseas Situation of COVID-19 and Revised Reporting Criteria for Suspected Cases of COVID-19

In view of the COVID-19 outbreak in certain countries/areas, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged the public against travelling to Hubei Province where there is widespread community transmission of COVID-19 virus, and to avoid unnecessary travel to other provinces/cities of Mainland China, Iran, Italy (Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Veneto regions) and Korea.

The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection would like to advise the University members to avoid unnecessary travel. When travelling to countries/areas with community transmission of COVID-19 virus, they should avoid close contact with persons with fever or respiratory symptoms. If it is unavoidable to come into contact with them, put on a surgical mask and continue to do so until 14 days after returning to Hong Kong.

In light of the latest situation of COVID-19 overseas, CHP has updated the reporting criteria to enhance surveillance of suspected cases. Medical practitioners are requested to report to the CHP any individual fulfilling the following for further investigation:

–         Presented with fever or acute respiratory illness or pneumonia; and

–         Either one of the following conditions within 14 days before onset of symptom:

1. 1. 1. With travel history to a place with active community transmission of COVID-19; or
      2. Had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the following websites:

–         Government’s “COVID-19 Thematic Website”

(http://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) 

–         Centre for Health Protection’s “Countries/areas with reported cases of COVID-19”

(https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/statistics_of_the_cases_novel_coronavirus_infection_en.pdf)

–         Statutory notifiable infectious diseases in the First Schedule to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599)

(https://cdis.chp.gov.hk/CDIS_CENO_ONLINE/disease.html)

Committee on Health Promotion and Protection

The Chinese University of Hong Kong has decided that online teaching will continue while services and operation of all University Departments/Units will gradually resume to normal from 2 March 2020. Heads of Departments/Units will review the operating environment and may make adjustments or take special measures where appropriate in line with the Government’s advice on prudent management of interpersonal contacts. Staff members will be informed of the work arrangements by their respective Heads of Departments/Units or supervisors accordingly.

Staff members are reminded to refer to the precautionary measures announced by the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection for enhancing personal protection and hygiene. Staff members with special needs (e.g. pregnant staff or staff with long term illness) may discuss with their supervisors for special work arrangements where practicable.

The on-campus shuttle bus service will resume its running schedule (revised and effective from January 2020) on 4 March 2020 and staff members may refer to the announcement of the Transport Office at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/transport_office/. The opening hours of campus canteens will be announced on the webpage in due course.

Students and staff are welcome to visit the “CUHK vs COVID-19 Announcements & Actions”  and the “FAQs in the Time of COVID-19” website for more information. 

To protect our students, staff and the community from the risk of contracting the COVID-19 and to maintain our teaching activities for the semester, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has initiated online teaching on 17 February. With the joint efforts of our students and staff, the online teaching and learning has been running smoothly. The University welcomes feedback and will continue to make every effort to uphold teaching quality. The University also encourages students to maintain frequent communication with teachers and tutors.

At the same time, the University will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic and will make reference to the Government’s guidelines when deliberating on the date to resume on-campus classes. Students and staff will be given at least 4 weeks of advanced notice prior to the commencement of on-campus classes activities to allow sufficient preparation time.  

CUHK has launched a designated website “CUHK vs COVID-19 Announcements & Actions” to present in detail, our preventive measures and relevant information, as well as a special website to address the Frequently Asked Questions to combat the novel coronavirus infection. Students and staff are welcome to visit these websites for more information.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces that the special work arrangement for staff members will be extended to 1 March.

Departments/units providing necessary services will continue operation with limited on-site services. Work arrangements for staff members, including return to office or work-from-home will be made by mutual agreement according to actual needs. Staff members will be informed of the detailed arrangements by their respective department/unit heads.

For more information on the University’s protective measures against the novel coronavirus infection, please visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/whats-on/faces/antivirus-annc.html

The University has also launched a special website to address the Frequently Asked Questions from students and staff. Please visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/whats-on/focus/antivirus-faq.html

https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/images/whats_on/inner/antivirus/provost-teaching_and_learning.pdf

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) today (14 February) announces that online teaching for Term 2 will begin on 17 February as scheduled. Teachers and students shall attend real time online classes according to the teaching timetable. 

Relevant University units providing necessary services will resume limited on campus operations, beginning from 17 February, to support online teaching and provide related services. For other units, the special work-from-home arrangement will continue up to 23 February.

1.    Assistance for online teaching activities
To prepare for online teaching, the University has organised 22 online workshops, from 30 January to 14 February, to assist teachers, students and supporting staff from all faculties to get familiar with the online teaching facilities, and to provide trainings.

To reduce the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus, teachers are advised to conduct online teaching from home. Understanding some of the needs of individual teachers, the University has reserved classrooms and facilities in 3 teaching blocks for use by teachers, upon their requests, to conduct online teaching activities. Faculties and administrative staff will provide the support services where necessary.

The University has also launched a ‘Special Funding Scheme for Online Learning’ and solicits teachers to apply. Teachers are encouraged to propose projects leading to innovative solutions that may optimise online teaching.

The Library has introduced new services to support online teaching. This includes, where possible, automatically purchasing electronic versions of material in Course Reserves, and a digital course pack service to scan print-only materials for students in the class. Please check the Library website for details.  

Teachers can also visit the Teaching and Learning Arrangements website for details and other relevant information. 

2.    Assistance for online learning activities
To ensure the online courses would launch smoothly, the University has strengthened its network capacity and stability. Starting from next Monday (17 February), students should attend online classes according to the teaching timetable. Students who need hardware support can visit the University Financial Aid Schemes website for information on the related funding schemes. 

The Library has introduced a new print to e-copy service. CUHK staff and students can request an e-copy of an existing library print book if the e-copy is available. For books or journal without an e-version, the Library will try to obtain the licenses for the chapters or articles where possible. From February 17, the Library will begin a book retrieval service, and the Learning Garden will be partially opened. Please check the Library website for services to Support Remote Teaching and Learning.

Students can also visit eLearning@CUHK website for more information related to online learning. Students are advised to stay at home and not to return to the campus to safeguard their health. The University will closely monitor the development of the epidemic and resume on-campus teaching when circumstances allow. Related announcement will be issued 14 days in advance.  

3.    Campus operation arrangements
Given the beginning of the teaching semester would commence on 17 February, the departments/units providing the necessary services would resume operation with limited on-site services. Work arrangements for staff members will be made on mutual agreement according to the actual needs. For the staff members of other units, the special work-from-home arrangement will continue up to February 23.

Staff members will be informed of the detailed arrangements by their respective department/unit heads in due course. Staff members who have not yet submitted  the health declaration form and conducted self-medical surveillance as indicated by the University’s Committee on Health Promotion and Protection should do so as soon as possible, and no later than the first day of their returning to work.

4. Campus transportation services
From 17 February, school buses special line H will operate at 10-15 minutes’ intervals during rush hours, and at 20-minute intervals for the rest of the time. The paid shuttle light bus service will remain unchanged. Please visit the Transport Office website for details.

5. Infection prevention information
To provide useful information, CUHK has launched a new website ‘CUHK vs COVID-19 Announcements & Actions’ to list out measures and information in detail.

The University has also launched a special website to address the Frequently Asked Questions from students and staff on protective measures against the novel coronavirus infection. Students and staff are welcome to visit these websites for more information.

https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/images/whats_on/inner/antivirus/provost-resumption_of_classes.pdf?20200221

To reduce the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) strongly urges that all students should stay at home and should not return to campus. The special work-from-home arrangement for CUHK staff will be extended to 16 February. 

(1) All students should not return to the campus
As the epidemic continues to spread in Hong Kong and may cause unobservable infection, in order to protect students’ health and reduce the risk of infection through sharing of facilities, the University strongly urges that all students (including local and non-local undergraduates and graduate students) should stay at home and should not return to campus or hostels. The University will closely monitor the development of the epidemic and resume on campus teaching once the circumstances allow. 

(2) Isolation arrangements for students who have travelled to the Mainland
For students currently residing in campus hostels, the University advises them to return home if feasible. For those students who have travelled to the Mainland within the past 14 days, they must observe the required self-isolation measures. All Colleges will make self-isolation arrangements for their students, who should check with their respective College or hostel for details. Any reportable cases will be reported by the University to the Centre for Health Protection. 

(3) Work-from-home arrangement for University staff
Except for those being called upon by the Heads of Departments/Units to provide essential services and where circumstances permit, University staff are not required to return to the office or relevant work sites but to continue to work from home until 16 February.

For staff who are required to return to offices, they should follow the advice from the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection for health declaration and self-medical surveillance.

The University will avoid assigning staff who have been to mainland China within the past 14 days to return to the office or relevant work sites to provide essential service. They are strongly advised to follow the Department of Health’s advice to stay home for 14 days upon their return, as far as practicable.

(4) Frequently asked questions (FAQ) 
The University has added a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to the website to address questions from students and staff on protective measures against the novel coronavirus infection. Please visit: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/whats-on/focus/antivirus-faq.html

The University has taken measures to require completion of the Health Declaration Form and Self-medical Surveillance Form by students/staff under applicable circumstances.

Online Health Declaration Form and Self-medical Surveillance Form are now available for use. Those with difficulty in making online submission should consult the warden/supervisor for alternative means of submission.

Students/staff should also refer to separate announcements by the Colleges/Faculties/Units, if any, in addition to the above requirements.  Students/staff of the Faculty of Medicine will continue to follow the Faculty’s announced arrangements for online submission of the forms.

1. When a hostel resident has a fever or other related symptoms and travel history to Mainland China within 14 days, s/he will be regarded as a suspected case and need to visit UHS (during office hours) or the A&ED at PWH (after office hours) depending on the severity for immediate medical attention. If the case is identified at night, the Security Unit should be notified before calling an ambulance. Warden / Resident Tutor should inform UHS in advance for such a case. 
2. After initial screening by UHS or A&ED at PWH, if the suspected case has to be admitted to hospital for further respiratory testing, a cohort policy would be activated before the test result comes out which would normally take up to 24 hours. The roommate of the suspected case as well as the residents on the same hostel floor would be regarded as a close contact cohort. 
3. Warden / Resident Tutor would need to reach out to the close contact cohorts promptly and remind them to stay in their own rooms to avoid any possible spread of the infectious disease. Those who stay outside the hostels would need to return to their own hostel rooms right away. 
4. The close contact cohorts should put on surgical masks at all times and keep the window of their rooms open as far as possible. The College would help to obtain bottled water and simple meals to be delivered to the cohorts until the test result is released. 
5. UHS would inform the Government and College once the test result is available. The close contact cohorts have to be quarantined for 14 days if the suspected case is tested positive. UHS would conduct surveillance and control of the disease such as disinfection in the affected area.
6. If the case is tested negative, the cohort policy will be deactivated. College workmen would wear protective clothing to intensify cleaning and disinfect the particular room as well as other public areas. 
7. The Warden / Resident Tutor handling the case should wear surgical mask and protective eyewear whenever possible. They should remain within a safe distance when handling the suspected case.

https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/images/whats_on/inner/antivirus/hro-work_leave_arrangement.pdf

To reduce the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has decided to provide online teaching starting from 17 February until further notice. The special work from home arrangement for CUHK staff will be extended to 9 February.

(1) Online teaching
Except for specified courses, online teaching will be conducted from 17 February as far as practicable and feasible without compromising learning outcomes.

In order to provide adequate time to complete the courses and to compensate for the lost time, the second term will be extended for two weeks until 2 May 2020.

On campus teaching will be resumed once the circumstances allow. Notifications will be made to the students at least one week in advance before the commencement of the on campus classes.

Students will be notified of the arrangements for course assessment after 17 February.

(2) The special work from home arrangement for University staff will be extended until 9 February
Except for those being called upon by the Heads of Departments/Units to provide essential services and where circumstances permit, University staff are not required to return to the office but to continue to work from home.

For staff who are required to return to offices, they should follow the advice from the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection for health declaration and self-medical surveillance.

The University will avoid assigning staff who have been to mainland China within the past 14 days to return to the office to provide essential service. They are strongly advised to follow the Department of Health’s advice to stay home for 14 days upon their return as far as practicable.

The University has added a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to the website to address questions from students and staff on measures to battle against the novel coronavirus infection. Please visit: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/whats-on/focus/antivirus-faq.html

During this period, the University Clinic will continue to operate as usual while dental consultation will be limited to emergency case only. The shuttle bus service on campus will be limited to the holiday H-line, while the paid shuttle light bus service will remain unchanged.

As the spread of the novel coronavirus has reached a critical stage, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has been taking active steps to mitigate the increasingly alarming situation. These include the introduction of disease prevention and medical surveillance measures by the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP), cancellation of exchange programmes and suspension of short-term academic activities in mainland China this term, as well as the extension of the lunar new year holiday and elevation of the Response Level against novel coronavirus to “Emergency”.

The CHPP has set up a steering committee to monitor and coordinate the University’s efforts and report directly to the Vice-Chancellor. To ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty, further measures will be introduced.

(1) Students Health Declaration and Self-medical Surveillance
The University strongly advises students not to return to their hostels before 17 February. All students who return to hostels are required to declare their travel history in the previous 14 days by filling in the Health Declaration Form
(http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/health_declaration.pdf).
They are also required to monitor their health status for 14 days by filling in the Self-medical Surveillance Form
(http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/med_surveillance_self.pdf). The forms should be submitted to their respective hostel wardens.

Those who experience symptoms of fever, acute respiratory illness should contact hostel warden and seek medical help immediately.  Individual colleges may have additional requirements, which will be made known to their residents shortly.

As the novel coronavirus has an incubation period, and medical tests may take time, students who are suspected to have contracted the virus and those who have come into contact with them will have to be isolated until they have been cleared of infection by the medical authorities. This is necessary in the best interest of all our students who are staying on campus.

For enquiries, please contact the CHPP Information Co-coordinator at 3943 6436 (office hours) or email to healtheducation.uhs@cuhk.edu.hk.

(2) Staff Health Declaration and Self-medical Surveillance
All staff who return to work are required to declare their travel history in the previous 14 days to their supervisors by filling in the Health Declaration Form
(http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/health_declaration.pdf ).

They are also required to monitor their health status for 14 days by filling in the Self-medical Surveillance Form
(http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/med_surveillance_self.pdf). The forms should be submitted to their supervisors.

Pregnant staff or staff with long-term illnesses who require flexible work arrangements should contact their supervisors to discuss the arrangements. Those who experience symptoms of fever, acute respiratory illness should inform their supervisors and seek medical help immediately. For enquiries, please contact the CHPP Information Co-coordinator at 3943 6436 (office hours) or email to healtheducation.uhs@cuhk.edu.hk.

For the Faculty of Medicine, the staff and students who are involved in clinical work or studies at hospitals should refer to the Faculty announcement for further details.

(3) Class Arrangements
Teaching activities will resume on 17 February 2020. If the epidemic continues and classes cannot be resumed as scheduled, online teaching will be conducted as far as practicable and feasible without compromising learning outcomes. Students will be informed of detailed arrangements by their respective faculties / departments.

To cater for the needs of all students who are affected, online course add/drop for all courses offered in Term 2 will be provided once again on CUSIS from 17 February -23 February 2020. The arrangements for postgraduate programmes with a different term structure from the undergraduate degree programmes will be announced later by the Graduate School or the respective Faculties.

(4)    Large-scale Events and Conferences
The University advises all units/ offices to postpone or cancel large-scale events and conferences. 

All offices on campus will resume operation on 29 January (Wednesday), while precautionary measures are in place to prevent infection. As the situation is evolving very quickly, the University will introduce further measures and keep the CUHK community informed on a regular basis. These are extraordinary circumstances, and the health of our students and staff is always our primary concern. The mitigation of the spread of the novel coronavirus will depend on the collective effort and cooperation of the entire CUHK community. While there may be inconveniences, all CUHK members are urged to take care of their personal health and look out for the well-being of those around us.

To prevent infection by novel coronavirus, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announces today that the response level has been elevated to “Emergency”. The University has also decided to extend the Lunar New Year holiday. Classes will resume on February 17. Details of the teaching and learning arrangements will be announced later.

1. All personnel should wear a surgical mask, particularly in crowded areas such as public spaces and school buses.
2. Local students residing in university hostels are encouraged to stay at/return home. Those who need to stay at university hostels are required to fill in the health declaration form and the self health surveillance form on a mandatory basis. If any hostel resident has developed fever and/or respiratory symptoms, the Warden should be notified for arranging medical intervention and informing the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP). 
3. Hostel and public area cleansing processes will be escalated to the highest level. 
4. A fever clinic will be set up in the University Health Service, starting from 29 January 2020.

For details, please visit CHPP website: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/emergency.html

As of 22 January 2020, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has received reports of a total of 135 suspected cases fulfilling the reporting criteria. 97 reported cases have been ruled out as novel coronavirus infection and were discharged already. The remaining 38 cases were hospitalised including 2 cases with preliminary positive results for novel coronavirus.

As of 23 January 2020, 9am, according to the National Health Commission and health authorities of overseas countries, the global number of cases is 579 (Mainland China: 571, other countries/areas: 8). Among the 571 cases in Mainland China, 95 cases were in serious condition and 17 were fatal cases. Some countries and provinces in the Mainland, such as Guangdong, Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Korea and United States, have reported cases of novel coronavirus infection, but there is so far no evidence of possible community transmission of novel coronavirus infection in these countries/areas.

In view of the latest situation and risk assessment, the CHP will enhance surveillance of suspected cases and revise the reporting criteria of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent. The University Health Service will follow the revised reporting criteria and closely monitor the health surveillance on campus. The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) continues to monitor the latest development and take appropriate prevention and control measures according to the CHP’s recommendations.

1. Cleaning is stepped up throughout the campus. School buses, toilets, public and hostel areas have already increased the frequency of daily cleanings. Frontline staff of security, school bus drivers, and EMO staff will wear masks while on duty.
2. Health declaration form and Self medical surveillance form (with immediate effect)
   
   • When returning to hostel after travel abroad, students are required to fill in the health declaration form and monitor their health status using the self-medical surveillance form for 14 days.
   • When returning to work after travelling abroad, supervisor can advise staff to fill in the health declaration form and monitor their health status using the self-medical surveillance form for 14 days, if necessary.
   • For medical assistance, please call our CHPP Information Co-ordinator at 3943 6436 (office hours) or email to healtheducation.uhs@cuhk.edu.hk.
3. Our university has launched a medical surveillance, all cases of suspected or confirmed pneumonia cases of novel coronavirus infection should be reported to our CHPP Information Co-ordinator.The university will make appropriate arrangements accordingly.

All university members are reminded to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection: 

• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a liter of water into each drain outlet (U-traps) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

Please take heed of the health advice below when travelling outside Hong Kong: 

• Avoid close contact with persons with fever or respiratory symptoms in countries/areas with possible transmission of the novel coronavirus infection. If it is unavoidable to come into contact with them, put on a surgical mask and continue to do so until 14 days after returning to Hong Kong;
• Avoid visiting hospitals. If it is necessary to visit a hospital, put on a surgical mask and observe strict personal and hand hygiene;
• Avoid touching animals (including game), poultry/birds or their droppings;
• Avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms;
• Avoid making close contact with patients, especially those with symptoms of acute respiratory infections;
• Do not consume game meat and do not patronise food premises where game meat is served;
• Adhere to food safety and hygiene rules such as avoiding consuming raw or undercooked animal products, including milk, eggs and meat, or foods which may be contaminated by animal secretions, excretions (such as urine) or contaminated products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled;
• If feeling unwell when outside Hong Kong, especially if experiencing a fever or cough, wear a surgical mask, inform the hotel staff or tour escort and seek medical advice at once; and
• After returning to Hong Kong, consult a doctor promptly if experiencing a fever or other symptoms, take the initiative to inform the doctor of any recent travel history and any exposure to animals, and wear a surgical mask to help prevent spread of the disease. 

For enquiries, please call our CHPP Information Co-ordinator at 3943 6436 (office hours) or email to healtheducation.uhs@cuhk.edu.hk.

To further understand the preventive measures of various units of the University, please refer to the Serious Response Level of CHPP website:
http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/serious.html

CHPP Preventive Recommendations:
http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/preventive_recommendations.html

Fact sheet on Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent:
https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/102466.html

Information on the affected countries/areas is available from the following webpage:
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/statistics_of_the_cases_novel_coronavirus_infection_en.pdf

Latest situation of reported cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent:
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/enhanced_sur_pneumonia_wuhan_eng.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0Rxx6ZV1ZAEg1vznAQUyh50FjSQCn_L4VLWv2d6TAnRTmV5e9GjGk06FQ

In view of the cluster of viral pneumonia cases with unknown cause in Wuhan, the Government launched the Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance and activated the Serious Response Level on 4 January 2020. Under the Serious Response Level, the immediate health impact caused by Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance on local population was assessed to be moderate. The University Health Service will closely monitor the health surveillance on campus.

To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, it is essential to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. When travelling outside Hong Kong, avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms. Wear surgical masks and seek medical attention if present with fever or respiratory symptoms, and reveal your travel history to doctors.

Please take heed of the following health advice:

• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretion after coughing or sneezing;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel or hand dryer. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Clean objects thoroughly and frequently with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water), followed by rinsing or wiping with clean water;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

For the latest information, please visit the webpage of Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health:

• Enhanced surveillance for the cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan of Hubei
• Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance (2020), HKSAR Government