Educational institutions will be sealed over violating SOPs: Shafqat

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood on Tuesday has warned of closing educational institutions which will violate standard operating procedures (SOPs) designated to prevent spread of coronavirus. Speaking to the journalists during a visit to a government school, the minister said that reopening of educational institutions was not an easy decision. "Safety and wellbeing of students from arrival at the institutions till return to their houses is government’s top priority," he expressed. Shafqat Mahmood further said that the authorities have also been directed to monitor implementation of SOPs in buses and vans. "Precaution is the only way to get rid of this deadly virus," he added. The education minister further mentioned that the federal authorities will assist the educational institutions for conducting COVID-19 tests wherever it is required. The statement came as schools and colleges across Pakistan have reopened today after closure for more than six months due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. According to the decision by the federal government, educational institutions from grade nine to onwards have reopened today and if the pandemic situation remain controlled, then students in grade six to eight will return to school on September 23, while students in nursery to grade five will return to classes on September 30. As per the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the government, masks will be mandatory for all teachers and students, while schools, colleges, and university administrations will ensure availability of sensitizers at the entry gates.