BREAKING: Schools in Covid hotspots to remain closed till Apr 28 for grades 1 to 8: Shafqat

ISLAMABAD, APR 6: Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood said on Tuesday that there will be no in-person classes for grade 1 to 8 in areas affected by Covid-19 till April 28.

The minister was addressing the media after the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) held a meeting to review the opening of the country's educational institutions.

He started off by stating that two main topics were discussed during today's NCOC meeting. The first was whether educational institutions that have been closed down till April 11 will continue as is or will they be opened, he said.

The second topic of discussion was the schedule for exams, he said, adding that this included the exams for grade 9, 10 and 11 as well as those for O and A levels.

"During today's meeting it was decided that classes for grade 1 to 8 will not be held in districts that are affected [by Covid-19] and this will go on till April 28."

For example, the Punjab education minister informed the meeting that he has 13 districts that have been affected, he said. Therefore, in these 13 districts classes for grade 1 to 8 will not require the physical presence of students.

"The provinces will decide which areas are the most affected and where this will be implemented."

The minister said that this decision will be reviewed again on April 28, when the NCOC will debate on whether or not to allow classes for grade 1 to 8.

Mehmood also said that classes for grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 will be allowed resume from April 19 with strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Earlier, Mehmood said on Twitter that during the session the government will "decide whether to open or further close educational institutions. The exam situation will also be discussed."

---------------------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY DAWN NEWS

----------