NCOC announces to reopen primary level schools from tomorrow

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - In its meeting, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) on Tuesday unanimously announced reopen the primary level schools from Wednesday. Briefing the journalists, Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood said the decision has been taken after consultations amongst all the federating units including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Shafqat mahmood said since the reopening of educational institutions from 15th September, one hundred, seventy one thousand and four hundred and thirty six coronavirus tests were carried out in the education sector. Of these, he said 1284 tested positive which is less than one percent. The federal minister said keeping in view this data, it has been decided to resume the primary level classes. He said action has been taken against the educational institutions breaching the SOPs and in future also the same course will be pursued to ensure the safety of the children. Earlier on Sept 22, the NCOC allowed the second phase of reopening schools for secondary students from September 23 after reviewing the current situation of the coronavirus across the country. In its declaration, the NCOC stated that the academic sessions of secondary students from Class VI to Class VIII will be resumed across the country from September 23 (tomorrow). It added that the schools will be reopened in the second phase as per scheduled announced by the NCOC for resuming academic activities in the educational institutions. According to a statement issued by the NCOC, Planning Minister Asad Umar, Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood, Interior Minister Brig (r) Ijaz Ahmad Shah, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, as well as the provincial education ministers and secretary education attended the today’s meeting. Meanwhile, Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas announced all public and private schools will be allowed to resume classes 6 through 8 from September 23. He said that it is imperative for everyone to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by Punjab’s school education department. He urged for playing their part for making the second phase of reopening schools successful.