The education authorities of Hong Kong announced Wednesday that all primary schools and kindergartens that had been closed amid seasonal flu outbreak in the city will reopen on Monday.

"The decision was made after the number of flu-infected children dropped and no change has been found in the genes of the flu virus," said Michael Suen, secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, at a press conference.

York Chow, secretary for Food and Health, thanked schools and parents for their support and understanding of the Government's decision to advance the Easter break of primary schools, kindergartens and special schools to prevent the spread of influenza in schools.

"The Government, schools and parents should stay alert to influenza after resumption of classes as we are still in the peak season," he said.

The Government will continue to monitor the latest influenza situation, he said, adding that it will also issue guidelines to advise schools on the circumstances under which they should report flu outbreaks to the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health.

He reminded the public that if they fell ill, they should rest properly and should not go to school or work in order to recover quickly and to avoid spreading the disease to other people.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2008)