City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has taken the lead in introducing the CityU-Learning system (video clip: Anti-epidemic and CityU-Learning 我們一起防疫一起學習) in view of the serious challenges posed by the coronavirus epidemic. Resources were pulled together rapidly to roll out this online learning platform according to original class schedule, online and in real-time on 7 February. More than 2,000 students attended classes at the same time at each session on that day.

CityU was the first local university to conduct such online learning on a campus-wide scale. The new platform tentatively replaces traditional classroom teaching and dramatically curtails face-to-face contact to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus.

Professor Way Kuo, CityU President, has been leading the University in this initiative. “Facing successive challenges, we've been thinking out of the box and, with the support of faculty, providing our students with the best possible options.” he said.

The CityU-Learning system integrates our learning platform and a communication tool that replaces the face-to-face component. Around 1,200 staff including President Kuo attended training sessions prior to the 7 February commencement date. The University is closely monitoring the online platform to maintain teaching and learning during this challenging period.

To prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading on campus, the University through its faculty and staff has contributed to a number of anti-virus measures, such as predicting the virus spreading and promoting the One Health concept, supplying alcohol-based handrub, making available electronic thermometers, and providing surgical masks.