22 Educational Institutions Shut Down for Flouting SOPs

On Thursday, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) reported that 22 educational institutions all over the country were shut down in the past two days. This was a direct result of not complying with the government-enforced standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of the coronavirus. 

According to the statement released, none of the health protocols as laid down by the government and relevant authorities, were followed. Out of these 22 institutions, one was in Islamabad, five in Azaad Jammu and Kashmir, and 16 in Khyber Pakthunkhwa. 

IBA Karachi halts academic activities

In the meantime, the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi decided to suspend all academic activities on both of its campuses. Cases emerged on the 16th of September, Thursday prompting them to give a two day off to students. 

Haris Tohid, the head of Marketing and Communications at IBA, refuted reports that stated that both campuses have shut down due to two corona positive cases. He clarified that only academic activity has been suspended temporarily, but campuses will remain open, regardless. 

When questioned about a specific number of cases at the varsity, he declined to comment. The official declared that since a few students are suspected of having contracted the virus, it would be irresponsible to give a number. 

In his statement, he admitted that giving a higher number than the actual number could be misleading to the public. Whereas, giving a lower number than the actual one would lead to chaos and panic.

At the end of his speech, the official also said that the administration of the varsity is currently trying to decide how to proceed. They are thinking of increasing the testing facilities and strengthening SOPs to prevent the spread of the virus. He added that the health and safety of the staff and students is their main priority.  

3 colleges shut down in Hyderabad

On Thursday, 3 colleges were shut down in the city of Hyderabad when several members of the faculty and staff tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. 

As per Dr. Yar Mohammad, the district health officer, there have been eight confirmed cases at two colleges located in the Matiari district. Both Government Girls’ Degree College Matiari and Government College Maula Saeedabad were sealed by the district administration. 

The Deputy Commissioner of Matiari, Ghulam Hyder Chandio stated that infected employees were told to isolate themselves as the premises of the colleges were to be disinfected. 

On the other hand, Farid Mustufa, the Jamshoro Deputy Commissioner ordered to close the Government Degree Boys’ College Bhan Saeedabad. The college staff had previously reported 18 cases of the Covid-19 virus. 

He also informed that six more cases emerged in the staff employed at the Army Public School Sehwan. In addition, five employees working at the Government Girls’ High School Sehwan also tested positive. 

The Government Degree Boys’ College Bhan Saeedabad was immediately shut down. The two schools, however, were advised to have their premises disinfected. 

Farid Mustafa also said that students in Kotri’s colleges and schools were also being regularly tested. But, the results are yet to come.