Punjab Education Minister Stands By Decision To Keep Schools Open

As the cold season stems in the cases are on the rise, with SOPs not being consistently implemented and everything being opened up, including schools and academic organisations among others.

With the toll amounting to 1000 new cases being recorded, the situation has worsened as more and more positive results are being generated in Pakistan, as opposed to its previous decline in August and September, which was both praised and acknowledged by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Minister of Education in Punjab, Murad Raas, has remained focused on the decision to keep schools open despite the steady increase.

"Situation being analysed on daily basis. There is NO plan to close Schools as of right now. Please follow SOPs," he tweeted.

The increase in the number of cases has been noted and according to the Minister, random testing will be conducted as well in order to monitor the situation. Pakistan's overall spike in cases has raised the question of a potential second wave which will see the country entering another lockdown.

However, currently 'smart lockdown' measures over hotspot areas and an imposed 10pm curfew is in place, along with instructions of mandatory masks.

The tally stands at approximately 335,093, with 6,852 deaths being reported with an absence of SOPs.