ISLAMABAD: The Federal Government has announced the closure of educational institutions of all grades in specific cities of Punjab, Peshawar and Islamabad for two weeks from Monday keeping in view the rising trend in COVID-19 cases.
Minister for Federal Education Shafqat Mahmood speaking at a news conference in Islamabad on Wednesday said that we noticed the huge impact of pandemic in education sector as around 50 million children are at risk due to attending their classes physically.
He said the cities of Punjab where these two-week spring vacations will be observed include Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, Sialkot, Multan and Rawalpindi.
Shafqat Mahmood said send-ups in schools will continue and the restrictions do not apply on continued exams at all level.
The Minister said the metric and intermediate level exams will be taken in June this year and further decision in this regard will be made later.
Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant on Health, Dr Faisal Sultan said the policy of smart lockdown in targeted areas and ban on holding marriage ceremonies in covered areas will continue across the country.
He said public parks will be closed at 6:00 pm and commercial activities at 10:00 pm except essential services.
He said the vaccination process of senior citizens of 60 years of age and above has been started and these elderly people can get vaccination by sending their CNIC number to 1166.
