Govt rubbishes ‘fake news’ about closure of educational institutes from Oct 15

Govt rubbishes ‘fake news’ about closure of educational institutes from Oct 15

Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood on Monday rubbished a fake news making rounds on social media, clarifying that educational institutions across the country are not being closed on October 15.

"Fake news being circulated on social media that educational institutions will be closed on Oct 15. No truth in this," he wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas also echoed the statement of federal minister, saying that news regarding schools closing on October 15 was completely false.

"Public and Private Schools of Punjab to remain open as scheduled. Schools closing on October 15th is completely FALSE. Please strictly follow SOPs," he said in a tweet.

The statements come amid rumours that the educational institutions are being closed as coronavirus cases rise, particularly in Sindh, triggering fear of a second wave.

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According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), there were at least 644 new coronavirus cases reported across the country on Monday, taking the tally to 315,260.

However, the tally is far lower compared to neighbouring India where thousands of cases are being diagnosed each day, narrowing its gape with the United States which tops the table at over 7,600,000.

Pakistan has been largely able to successfully curb the contagious virus, which has so far claimed over 1,040,000 lives across the world.

The educational institutions reopened in Pakistan last month after the NCOC nod.

On September 29, Shafqat Mehmood had said that 171,436 coronavirus tests were carried out in educational institutions since they reopened on September 15, of which only 1,248 tests were positive.

He further added that only 1% of the infection rate has been witnessed in educational institutions.

Despite the success, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday cautioned the nation against a possible second wave of the pandemic in the coming winter, urging the people once again to wear protective face masks in public places.

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"Compared to some other states, Allah has been kind to us in Pakistan and spared us the worst effects of Covid-19," the premier wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter on Sunday.

"[However] there is a fear [that the] onset of winter could result in a 2nd wave [of the contagious disease]. I urge everyone to wear face masks in public to avoid a spike," he added.

He also directed all offices and institutions to use face masks to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2020.