BEIJING — Chinese education authorities, schools and after-school training providers are offering students online courses during the winter break, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Feb 4.

The courses are related to infection prevention, mental health and educational activities and content, rather than subjects that put extra pressure on students of primary and secondary schools, the ministry said.

The MOE also asked schools and after-school training centers not to start their new teaching syllabus via online platforms before the date schools are supposed to begin.

The MOE announced in late January that the 2020 spring semester for schools will be postponed due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.