6 May
The Hong Kong government plans to gradually reopen schools from the end of May as part of easing social restrictions introduced amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam made the announcement on Tuesday.
Schools in Hong Kong have been shut since late January. The government plans to reopen them in phases from May 27.
The government will also allow gyms and movie theaters to resume operations starting Friday. In addition, it will be relaxing a ban on gatherings of more than four people, to more than eight.
Hong Kong officials have confirmed 1,041 coronavirus infections. But no new cases have been reported since April 20, except for an imported case.
The government is urging people to continue to take precautions against the virus. It plans to distribute reusable face masks developed by a local research institute. The mask's filter contains copper. A study suggests the virus can survive on the metal only for a short time.
Distribution is to begin at the end of the month--one for an adult and two for a child. But masks are now available at many stores.
NHK
