No plan to close educational institutions in Pakistan despite surge in virus cases: Minister

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

Pakistan Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood has denied "rumours" that the government has decided to close schools in view of rising coronavirus cases in the country.

In a tweet, he said the government will continue to monitor the situation "but at the moment no such decision has been made."

Earlier during the day, the Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas said that the schools in the province will remain open for now despite an increase in coronavirus cases.

The provincial government is keeping a close eye on coronavirus cases in the schools, Murad Raas said adding that random testing was being conducted and a slight increase in numbers has been observed.

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The situation is being analysed on a daily basis and there is no plan to close schools as of right now, he tweeted and advised citizens to strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Meanwhile, Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he confirmed on social media, vowing that while he was "down", he was "not out."

Coronavirus cases in Pakistan have been surging for the past few weeks. Over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in a day — its highest total since July 29, 2020.

Federal Minister of Planning Asad Umar expressed concerns on the rising positivity rate. He said that what happens next depends on how much people adapt to the coronavirus lifestyle and follow the SOPs.

"We are not careful like we aren't in the past few weeks, then we have India and Iran as examples of the havoc the virus can create," he had warned while speaking on Geo Pakistan.