Punjab may open schools from August 15: minister

Punjab's education minister says the government could open schools in the province from August 15 if they think the threat of the coronavirus has decreased.

“The situation is changing every day and every week,” Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas told SAMAA TV. He said that the education year starts from August 15 every year.

The federal government, however, will take the final decision.

The minister said schools will be told to follow the SOPs if they are allowed to open in August. Only 20 children will be allowed in a class, he added.

FAKE NEWS: No date has been Announced for opening of Schools in Punjab. What I have said is that if the Conditions of COVID 19 are manageable, only then we will try to open by August 15, 20 under very strict SOPs. I will not endanger the lives of our Children or our Teachers.

— Murad Raas (@DrMuradPTI) July 4, 2020

However, he said on Twitter that the decision would only be made if the coronavirus situation becomes manageable.

The virus has so far killed 1,844 people in Punjab, while the total number of known cases has reached 80,297, according to the provincial health department.