Students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) who want to live on campus must either get a Covid-19 vaccination or take a test for the virus every two weeks, under a new policy.

The requirement was disclosed on Wednesday on a Facebook page entitled “CUHK Secrets”, which is operated by students at the Sha Tin university. An anonymous post displayed a purported email from a college, stating that the allocation of student hostel rooms for the upcoming academic year would be based on vaccination status.

Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong. File photo: GovHK.

“Fully vaccinated students will be prioritised. If space allows, unvaccinated students will room with other unvaccinated students and their access to common spaces may be limited,” the email read.

In response to HKFP’s enquiries, CUHK said on Thursday that vaccination way an effective method to curb the spread of Covid-19 and the university has encouraged all students and staff to get jabs.

Starting in September, unvaccinated student residents will have to get tested every 14 days at their own expense. Those who are not vaccinated and do not comply with the testing requirement will not be given a place in the student hostel, the university said.

Carrie Lam observes vaccine administration at a vaccination community centre
Photo: GovHK

“Whether they are vaccinated or not, all members of CUHK should continue to follow anti-epidemic measures, including wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently,” CUHK said in an emailed statement.

CUHK was the first local university to impose a vaccination requirement on student residents. So far, around 1.11 million Hongkongers have received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccines, while about 718,700 people are fully vaccinated.

On Thursday, Hong Kong registered three new coronavirus cases, taking the infection total to 11,817 with 210 deaths. Among the new infections, two were imported and one was linked to a previous local case.

Support HKFP  |  Policies & Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact Us  |  Newsletter  | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps

Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team

contribute to hkfp methods
LATEST ON COVID-19 IN HONG KONG
HKFP GUIDES
childrens vaccine
social distancing
supporting
what to do if you get covid
vax pass
face masks
rapid test buying guide
Bobby Covid book 2
support hong kong free press generic

Support HKFP  |  Code of Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact Us  |  Newsletter  |  Annual & Transparency Report

Ho Long Sze Kelly is a Hong Kong-based journalist covering politics, criminal justice, human rights, social welfare and education. As a Senior Reporter at Hong Kong Free Press, she has covered the aftermath of the 2019 extradition bill protests and the Covid-19 pandemic extensively, as well as documented the transformation of her home city under the Beijing-imposed national security law.

Kelly has a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong, with a second major in Politics and Public Administration. Prior to joining HKFP in 2020, she was on the frontlines covering the 2019 citywide unrest for South China Morning Post’s Young Post. She also covered sports and youth-related issues.