Closure of educational institutions

As expected, the Imran Khan-led government, with the consultation of the provincial government, has decided to close the educational institutions amid the rising COVID-19 infections across the country.

The National Command and Control Center (NCOC) had earlier recommended the closure of educational institutions due to the rise in COVID-19 infections. The Education Minister informed that school administration would decide on calling the teachers. The proposal to move the new academic year to August is under consideration.

According to the much-awaited decision, “home learning” will continue from November 26 to December 24. From December 25 till January 10, 2021, there will be winter vacations. Then from January 11, if the situation improves, the educational institutions will reopen.  

In recent weeks, the country’s COVID-19 cases and deaths have seen a sharp increase. On Monday, the NCOC was informed that hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have doubled in the last two weeks while the positivity ratio increased to 7.46 percent in the last 24 hours.

In Pakistan, the maximum positivity rate had reached 23 percent in June as it had increased from 6 percent in May, while the positivity rate was brought down to 1.7 percent in September.

There had also been an increase in the number of infections reported at educational institutions across the country, with 19 percent of total COVID-19 cases being recorded among students. The positivity ratio in educational institutions rose from 1.8 percent to 3.3 percent during the last week — an increase of 82 percent.

The coronavirus situation in Pakistan is currently very complicated. Hospitals in Karachi have reportedly run out of space for coronavirus patients and the government is currently managing more ventilators. However, the reluctant Prime Minister once again had refuted the reports for a complete lockdown.

The deteriorating situation can be gauged by witnessing the rampant numbers of COVID-19 infections. Even now, if the people do not implement the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the situation could further deteriorate and the government will have no choice but to take drastic measures, including a complete lockdown.