Sindh Education Minister Says Schools Might Close Again If Coronavirus Cases Increase

Sindh education minister, Saeed Ghani has said that the schools might close again if coronavirus cases increase. Earlier the meeting of the national command and operation center was held in which it had been decided to open the primary schools and universities from 1st February 2021. Due to the second wave of the coronavirus the federal education minister had announced to close down the educational institutes across Pakistan from 26th November 2021. After the two month break, the educational institutes in the country have been reopened as per the directives issued by the government. To ensure the safety of the students the government has urged the institutes to strictly follow the SOPs devised for coronavirus. 

Implementation of SOPs

Saeed Ghani stated that all schools, colleges and universities have resumed their academic activities. The minister said that the administration cannot alone guarantee the proper implementation of SOPs and the parents are also required to play their part by guiding their children about it. To minimize the risk of spread of coronavirus the provincial government has permitted 50% attendance and asked the students to come on alternate days. Moreover, the Sindh government is also conducting the COVID-19 testing in the schools and colleges across the province to check the affected individuals. 

COVID-19 Positivity Rate

According to the reports, the COVID-19 positivity rate in colleges is 1.9% whereas 5.9% in schools. Due to the violation of the coronavirus standard operating procedures, many educational institutes have been shut down. Furthermore, the government has also closed the institutes where high numbers of coronavirus cases were reported. Previously the Sindh education minister had announced to hold the annual exams of SSC and HSSC in the month of May/June. It was said that due to the disruption in the academic schedule one or two months should be provided to the students so that they can complete their course work and prepare for the annual exams.