Special Assistant to PM opposes reopening of educational institutions

Intensity of the second wave is exhibiting a downward trend along with decline in a number of deaths and Covid-19 positivity rate

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Imran Khan on National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination Dr. Faisal Sultan Sunday opposed re-opening of educational institutions next week following the 2^nd Covid-19 Pandemic wave in the country.

Briefing the cabinet on the latest Covid-19 situation, he said, “the intensity of the second wave is exhibiting a downward trend along with decline in a number of deaths and Covid-19 positivity rate.”

Pakistan is amongst the 31 countries to detect coronavirus variant. Additionally, the new strain came from the two individuals who travelled from the UK, he informed. He apprised that all stakeholders in Sub-Committee had taken a decision with consensus to open schools and other educational institutions in phases.

There was a difference in opinion as few members argued against re-opening of educational institutions since there was a clear linkage between the closing of schools/colleges and the curtailment of spread. Moreover, those with an alternate point of view highlighted that learning levels were declining to cause tremendous loss to the children.

Dr Faisal further informed the cabinet about mounting pressure to ease restrictions on service industry because gatherings (Jalsas) as the opposition is causing’ spread of the virus in total disregard of Covid-19 spread and endangering the lives of people. This sent a wrong signal to the public, he added.