Media Releases

PolyU announces special work and teaching arrangements against the possible spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Further to the precautionary measures released on 25 January, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has implemented additional measures including work from home arrangement for staff and online teaching for students in order to reduce the risk of possible spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The details of the measures are as follows: Special work arrangement will be implemented after the Lunar New Year holidays (starting from 29 January) in order to reduce the risk of the spread of 2019-nCoV in the community. Except for staff of the departments providing emergency services and essential activities, such as preparation for quality online teaching from 10 February as informed by respective Head of Department (HoD), all other employees are not required to return to the offices but to work at home after the holidays. The measure will be implemented tentatively until 2 February and the Senior Management will review the situation before then. Face-to-face teaching will be suspended from 3 to 16 February but the University will provide online teaching (plus e-learning) from 10 to 16 February. The University will review the situation and make necessary arrangements for the period after 16 February in due time. All large scale activities such as workshops, conferences and symposia will be suspended until further notice. Staff are encouraged to use online facilities for meetings and discussions. The HKSAR Government has decided to impose restrictions on all Hubei Province residents and people who have visited Hubei Province in the past 14 days from entering Hong Kong until further notice. Staff members who fall into this group of people should report their situation to the HoD with relevant information for exceptional approval of absence from duty. Staff and students who have visited Hubei Province in the past 14 days should also report their situation to the HoD with relevant information for the neecessary follow-up actions. Staff and students returning from the Mainland are required to complete an e-Travel Declaration Form. They are strongly advised to wear masks on campus and closely monitor their health conditions. All hall residents and their visitors are required to take temperature and report their recent travel history and health condition at the student hostel entrances. For hall residents who have developed a fever or suspected symptoms of 2019-nCoV, the University will immediately assist them to seek medical treatment. As the situation will continue to evolve, the University will keep abreast of the latest development and inform its staff and students of any new arrangements pertaining to the disease. All members of PolyU are reminded to practice strict personal hygiene and adhere to the necessary precautionary measures.

PolyU steps up precautionary measures for the Novel Coronavirus

In light of the latest development of the novel coronavirus, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has established a Task Force on Response Actions for Wuhan Pneumonia with the aim of safeguarding the health of PolyU staff and students. The following measures will be implemented with immediate effect.   1.   All face-to-face teaching will be suspended during the period of 3 February 2020 to 16 February 2020. Face-to-face teaching will resume on 17 February 2020.   2.   All inbound and outbound student and other exchange activities, including but not limited to internships, placements, service learning, etc., with Mainland China will be suspended until further notice.   3.   All staff are encouraged to defer their business visits to Mainland China as far as practicable. If there is a genuine need to visit Mainland China, staff are advised to wear a surgical mask throughout the trip and continue to wear a surgical mask for 14 days after they return to Hong Kong, and to practice strict personal hygiene. The University advises it staff to seek medical consultation promptly if feeling unwell.   4.   All staff and students who have developed a fever or feel unwell are strongly advised to seek medical advice and take medical leave. For students staying at the hostels, they should inform the University immediately under these circumstances.   5.   Effective from 30 January 2020, body temperature screening will be conducted at all entrance checkpoints of the campus and School of Hotel and Tourism Management on a random basis. For Student Halls of Residence, body temperature measurements of all residents and visitors will be taken at the hostel entrances.   6.   Anyone who is found to have developed a fever at the entrances will be advised to seek medical consultation. Professional advice is available to students and staff from UHS which has set up a first aid station at Room AG 206 on main campus and a temporary clinic at the Hung Hom Student Hall of Residence. PolyU members are reminded to maintain strict personal hygiene at all times and stay vigilant against infectious diseases. The University will continue to provide health information and the latest updates about the Novel Coronavirus via its dedicated webpage. It also advises its staff and students to check the updated information from the website of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of HKSAR Government for this novel coronavirus disease. https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html.

PolyU Releases the Remaining Test Results for Air Samples Collected on Campus

Further to the first batch of test results on water, soil and surface wipe samples as well as the test results for CS powder of air samples released on 28 December, 2019, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today announced all the remaining test results for the air samples collected at various locations on campus (see Appendix I). The tests cover analyses of several major contaminants including dioxins, total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) as benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and 2-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile (the active ingredient of CS powder) in the air samples (see Appendix II). All the test results for dioxins, PCBs, PAHs as BaP and CS powder in the air samples are below the applicable reference levelsof international organisations. Based on the safety assessments of the buildings on the North campus, including assessment of building structural safety and checking of indoor air quality, the results met the applicable health and safety references for resumption of operations. The University also cleaned the filters of air handling systems and potable water tanks as well as conducted a thorough clean-up of the campus and individual buildings. The University is committed to providing PolyU members with a safe and healthy environment for study and work.   *****  End  *****

PolyU Announces the Test Results on Campus Environment Assessment

To ensure a healthy and safe campus for its students and staff members, and to address the concerns about the potential hazards of tear gas residue remaining on its campus, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) appointed  independent accredited laboratories to collect environmental samples at various locations on campus (see Appendix I) in early December 2019 for testing, including air, water, soil and surface wipe samples. The testings cover analyses of several major chemical components in tear gas residue including dioxins, total cyanide, total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 2-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile (active ingredient of CS powder) in the samples collected on the campus. The University has received the results of all the tests on water, soil and surface wipe samples, as well as the test results for CS powder of air samples, while the remaining test results for the air samples are expected to be available in January 2020. The test results are benchmarked with the reference limits listed in the authoritative documents of relevant local or international authorities/institutions. According to the test results for soil (S1-8), tap water (WA1-4), and surface wipes (W1-22) samples, as well as the CS powder in air samples, all the aforementioned contaminants are well below their respective reference/reporting limits (see Appendix II). In addition, the University has also carried out safety assessments of the buildings on campus, including assessment of building structural safety, testing of indoor air quality, filter cleaning and a thorough cleanup of individual buildings. The University will do its utmost to ensure the campus meet relevant safety standards so as to offer PolyU members a healthy and safe environment for studying and working.

Campus Update IV – Campus Access Strictly Restricted, Campus Clean-up In Progress

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today issued an email on " Campus Update IV – Campus Access Strictly Restricted, Campus Clean-up In Progress" to its students, staff and alumni. Please refer to the details in the attachment.

Campus Update III – PolyU resumed control of its campus

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today issued an email on " Campus Update III – PolyU resumed control of its campus" to its students, staff and alumni. Please refer to the details in the attachment.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Statement

The Fire Services Department and other related Government departments finished their disposal of dangerous materials on the PolyU campus this morning, and the Police have also announced the removal of the cordon around the campus. After taking over the campus, the University management will immediately conduct an inventory inspection and launch comprehensive safety and environment assessments. The current environment on campus is still unsafe, and the work on clean-up, inventory inspection and restoration will take time. Campus access, therefore, continues to be strictly restricted to authorised persons only until further notice. In the meantime, the University strongly urges our students and staff members, as well as members of the public, NOT to enter the campus. We appreciate your understanding of this arrangement. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr LAM Tai-Fai, Council Chairman Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President Professor Philip C. H. CHAN, Deputy President and Provost Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President Mr Andy TONG, Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) Professor Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development) Professor Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student Affairs)

Statement by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (8:20pm)

It is understood that the conditions on the PolyU campus are more complex than expected, with facilities seriously vandalised and dangerous materials widely scattered. The Fire Services Department and other related Government departments have added manpower this afternoon to expedite the disposal of dangerous materials. It is expected that the cordon around the campus can be removed tomorrow. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr LAM Tai-Fai, Council ChairmanProfessor Jin-Guang TENG, PresidentProfessor Philip C. H. CHAN, Deputy President and ProvostDr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice PresidentMr Andy TONG, Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities)Professor Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development)Professor Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student Affairs)

Statement by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (4:00pm)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has today sent the following requests to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: In view of the University's comprehensive search for people remaining on campus over these two days, the University suggests that the Police need not to conduct a similar search, but rather remove the cordon around our campus immediately. We request relevant Government departments help remove or make safe, as soon as possible, all dangerous materials on campus, including petrol bombs and other offensive weapons. In performing their duties, we urge the authorities to take a humane approach to ensure the personal safety of all concerned. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr LAM Tai-Fai, Council ChairmanProfessor Jin-Guang TENG, PresidentProfessor Philip C. H. CHAN, Deputy President and ProvostDr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice PresidentMr Andy TONG, Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities)Professor Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development)Professor Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student Affairs)

Statement by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1:45pm)

PolyU resumed its search for the remaining people on campus at 9:30am this morning, following yesterday's endeavours. Manpower for the teams has been enhanced to 100, from about 50 yesterday, and comprises Vice Presidents, Faculty Deans, teachers, counsellors, healthcare professionals and social workers. Working in nine teams, they searched for remaining people and inspected the condition of and damage to various offices and laboratory facilities. Despite their greatest efforts in searching every floor and every room of all buildings, the teams cannot find any people remaining this morning. The search ended at noon today. Inspection onsite revealed that a great number of facilities on campus, including many laboratories, have been vandalised to various extents, and that some chemicals and dangerous goods are missing. A number of research projects will have to be halted, which will seriously affect the teaching and research of the University. Over the past two days, the University has done all it can to ensure that anyone remaining on campus could leave peacefully. The University requests the Police to remove the cordon around our campus immediately, so that we can start our restoration work at once. The University gratefully thanks all colleagues and collaborating partners who have participated in the search on campus. The University appeals to anyone who may still be remaining on campus, or their relatives or friends, to contact our team directly by calling 55136392. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr LAM Tai-Fai, Council Chairman Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President Professor Philip C. H. CHAN, Deputy President and Provost Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President Mr Andy TONG, Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) Professor Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development) Professor Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student Affairs)