LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced that all public and private schools will reopen across Punjab from August 2, 2021, on rotation basis with 50 percent of the total strength on each day.

According to a notification issued on Thursday, the government has strictly directed the teachers and administrations of the schools to ensure complete compliance of the coronavirus Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). As per the decision, the boys schools shall open at 7:30am and close at 12:30pm from Monday to Saturday. Similarly, the girls schools shall open at 7:45 and close at 12:45pm.

However, the notification said that school timing in hilly areas like Murree and Kotli Sattyan district of Rawalpindi shall be notified by the concerned District Education Authorities (DEAs). Provincial Education Minister Dr Murad Raas said the classes will be held on staggered approach having 50 percent attendance each day.

Covid-19: Lahore education authority announces new timings for schools

The minister said that all the concerned authorities including principals and teachers are bound to ensure strict observance and compliance of the Covid-19 SOPs. On Wednesday, an Inter Provincial Education Ministers Conference (IPEMC) meeting chaired by Secretary Federal Education and Professional Training Asif Haider had decided reopening of educational institutions across the country from August 2 under strict Covid-19 SOPs. The meeting had unanimously decided that board examinations will be continued as per the given schedule. The forum also decided summer vacations would not be further extended.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021