Schools in Punjab to reopen from September 16: Murad Raas

• Punjab eases restrictions after NCOC meeting on Tuesday.
• Education minister urges people to follow COVID SOPs.
• "Only 50% students would be allowed in schools on any given day," says Murad Raas.

Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas on Tuesday announced all schools in the province would reopen on September 16.

Following a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the provincial minister tweeted: “All public and private schools of Punjab to open on Thursday (September 16, 2021) with the staggered approach.”

Elaborating further on the decision, Raas said that only 50% students would be allowed in schools on any given day.

“Please follow COVID SOPs issued by the government. Welcome back,” the minister wrote.

NCOC chief Asad Umar announced today that the government is reopening schools in five districts of Punjab and one district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from September 16, despite other restrictions in these districts remaining intact till September 30.

Earlier, keeping in view extended restrictions in 24 high-risk districts amid the worsening situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Punjab government had decided to close all public and private schools in Punjab till September 15 (Wednesday).