Students from grade 9 to 12 returned to school across Pakistan after two months closure due to spike in coronavirus cases and winter vacations.

According to the details, the schools have opened with strict compliance of coronavirus health protocols.

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However, the students of classes 8 and below will return to school from February 1.The schools were reopened after a high level committee agreed on a phase-wise reopening of schools.

According to the SOPs, the students must maintain a social distance between educational institutions and vans. Masks will be mandatory for students, including teaching and non-teaching staff, in educational institutions. The doors and windows of classrooms in educational institutions will be opened for ventilation. Seating arrangements for students in the classrooms will be subject to social distance.

Only one student will be allowed to sit at a desk. Parents are advised to keep hand sanitizers and water bottles in their children’s school bags. The cafeteria and canteen in educational institutions will make more use of disposable foodservice items.

In the case of coronavirus case in educational institutions, the school administration will contact the district health officer.

Education Minister Punjab in his tweet urged to make sure following of COVID-19 SOPs.

I want to Welcome all the Students, Teachers and the Staff back to Schools of Punjab. Please make sure to wear a Mask at all times and keep your social distance from each other. By following SOPs, we are protecting each other from COVID 19. Be safe. My best wishes are with you.

I want to Welcome all the Students, Teachers and the Staff back to Schools of Punjab. Please make sure to wear a Mask at all times and keep your social distance from each other. By following SOPs, we are protecting each other from COVID 19. Be safe. My best wishes are with you.

— Murad Raas (@DrMuradPTI) January 18, 2021

The Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood took to Twitter  late Sunday evening and sent his best wishes to students of classes 9 to 12, as well as O and A level students, who are starting school from today.

Tomorrow classes 9 to 12, O and A level go back to school/ college. Wish them the very best. Their future is our main priority.

Tomorrow classes 9 to 12, O and A level go back to school/ college. Wish them the very best. Their future is our main priority.

— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) January 17, 2021

Pakistan Coronavirus Cases

Let it be known that 46 more deaths due to Coronavirus infection were reported in the country during the last 24 hours. 1,920 new positive cases were also reported during the last 24 hours and death toll has now reached 10,997. The active cases of COVID-19 are 34,986 and 475,228 patients stand recovered from the pandemic.