Pakistan announces closure of educational institutions from Nov.26 amid virus surge

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

All educational institutions will be closed from November 26 till January 10 due to the rising number of coronavirus cases.

This was decided at an education ministers’ conference. Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood was addressing a press conference at the National Operations and Command Center (NCOC) along with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan.

READ MORE

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's mother passes away in London

Pakistan issues fresh health procedures for international travellers

Pakistan firebrand cleric and TLP chief Khadim Rizvi passes away in Lahore

"We analysed the coronavirus situation in all provinces and concluded that stern action has to be taken to stem the spread of the virus,” Dr Sultan said.

He said that the situation is deteriorating in the country day-by-day and the positivity ratio has reached 7.4%.

"All ministers have mutually decided to keep all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, and tuition centres closed.

 Students attend their class at a school in Peshawar. AP

 However, online classes will continue from Nov.26 to Dec.24 after which the winter break will start. Schools will reopen on Jan.11, 2021," Mahmood said.

He said that a review session in the first week of January would be held before reopening of schools. All the examinations scheduled during the period have also been postponed which will commence from Jan.15, he added.

Dr Sultan said that professional exams including medical tests will be held as per schedule but with strict adherence to Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).

"If there are any other exams scheduled for recruitment, they will continue as per schedule. In hostels, only one-third of students would be allowed and other training and courses, which are not in a classroom setting, will continue as is.”

Mahmood said that they are also requesting that the board exams which are scheduled in March and April should be pushed to June and May so that students can cover their syllabus. They are also considering starting the academic year from August instead of April.

Earlier, an important meeting was held at the NCOC to review the latest Covid-19 situation and decide about the closure of schools and early winter vacations in light of the rising infections among students and teachers.