Punjab's health minister releases a statement regarding school closures.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid stated that on Monday the country's apex body on COVID, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), will take a decision on school closures in the province, today.

"We have vaccinated 80 percent of kids in schools and universities," Dr Yasmin stated, according to the report, and asked the public to follow COVID-19 SOPs because the new variant is spreading quickly.

"We do not want educational institutions to be closed. Education has already suffered a lot," she said, reiterating the provincial education minister's prior statement that schools will be the last to close.

Dr Yasmin Rashid, when asked about the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), said the NCOC will have to decide on the number of spectators in the league.

Dr Qaisar Sajjad, Secretary-General of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), said Omicron cases are on the rise in the country and requested the government to impose severe limitations and ensure that SOPs are followed.

"The rate of positive cases is increasing in Karachi, which can put additional strain on hospitals at any time," said a PMA officer.

"In the previous four waves, we did not strictly impose limits, but now we must."

Wedding halls, restaurants, and huge gatherings should be closed, according to Dr. Qaiser Sajjad.