Schools to start 5-day regular classes from March 1: Shafqat Mahmood

Schools to start 5-day regular classes from March 1: Shafqat Mahmood

Islamabad (Web Desk): Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood on Thursday announced that all the schools will resume regular 5-day classes from March 1.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the education minister wrote that all schools will go back to regular 5-day classes from Monday, March 1.

Shafqat Mehmood added that decision regarding restrictions imposed in some major cities on schools to conduct staggered classes was only till February 28.

He said that the announcement applies to every educational institution in the designated cities where restrictions had been imposed.

“Allah SWTs infinite mercy that we are returning to normal, ” the minister said.

He further clarified that all educational institutions will continue to observe normal COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) such as physical distancing, mask-wearing and ensuring hand washing facilities.

Meanwhile, the National Control and Operation (NCOC) has also allowed indoor wedding ceremonies to resume from March 21, provided all mandatory SOPs are followed.

The NCOC announced that cinemas and shrines will also open from March 15, however, the NCOC has requested the public to continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. The policy of smart lockdowns may also be imposed when required.