Primary schools, universities reopening from February 1, decides NCOC

ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has decided on reopening primary schools and universities across the country from February 1 after a closure back in November of last year due to rising number of COVID-19 cases during the second wave of the deadly infection.

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Federal Minister for Development and Planning Asad Umar chaired a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), which was attended by the Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood, health secretary, DRAP head Dr Asif Rauf and other senior officials.

The session of the NCOC reviewed the current COVID-19 situation in the educational institutions and the implementation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) while also consulting the stakeholders regarding resumption of complete academic activities.

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decided on reopening primary schools and universities across the country from February 1 and resuming normal studies with strict implementation of COVID-19 SOPs.

Earlier on January 4, the federal minister for education Shafqat Mahmood announced reopening of educational institutions across the country in a phase-wise manner with classes nine through 12 returning to schools from January 18.

Furthermore, it was decided that classes one through eight will return to schools from January 25 in the second phase whereas universities and other higher education institutions will commence on campus studies from February 1.

However, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) later decided to extend holidays for classes one through eight by one week with primary and middle schools reopening along with universities from February 1.

Moreover, it was decided that board exams which were due in March and April will now be held in May and June to allow children more time to prepare their courses.

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