HONG KONG (CNN) - March 2008

Hong Kong officials gave kindergarten and primary school kids an early break for the Easter holiday in the midst of a widespread flu outbreak.

Health Secretary York Chow made the decision late Wednesday to call off classes for two weeks, through March 28.

“All primary schools, special schools and kindergartens and child care centers will be closed in the hope of slowing down the spreading of flu and provide a chance for schools to clean up and make a better environment,” Chow said.

The government has ordered an investigation as three children have died in the last week of the outbreak. One of them was seven-year-old Law Ho-Ming, who was admitted over the weekend with flu-like symptoms. He died on Tuesday.

Officials say five of his classmates are sick and hospitalized, while 30 others are displaying similar flu-like symptoms.

By imposing the two-week break from school, health authorities are hoping to slow the spread of influenza.

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