22 Schools Closed in Pakistan for Non-compliance with COVID-19 Protocols
Educational institutions reopened in Pakistan on Tuesday after a six-month break due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, several had to be closed shortly after for not begin in compliance with required COVID-19 safely measures.
credit: Vicki Francis/Department for International Development
The Education ministry had decided to reopen schools in different phases. In the first phase, grades nine, ten, colleges, universities have welcomed students back. However, secondary and primary classes will resume later in this month.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a tweet, “It was our priority and collective responsibility to ensure that every child can go to school safely to learn”.
The National Command Operation Center (NCOC) issued instructions telling parents to ensure their children follow SOPs, which includes wearing masks. The Center also ordered that children should not go to school if they are having symptoms including cough and fever.
In that case, parents should have the child tested. If they any test positive for Covid-19, they are asked to inform the educational institution.
Usage of sanitizer and ensuring social distancing is also advised by NCOC.
Education Minister ‘Shafqat Mehmood’ said parents, teachers, and administrations have to play an active role in upholding all safety measures.
Unfortunately, after the gradual reopening schools, it has been reported that 22 educational institutions have been closed across the country. These schools reportedly failed to follow SOPs as required by the NCOC.
The agency said that it had to close the schools that were not in compliance in order to curb the spread of Covid-19.
16 of these educational institutions are in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1 in Islamabad, and 5 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
It is unclear as to when, or if, these schools will be allowed to re-open.
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