The matter of re-opening of universities depends on health experts’ advice, says Banuri

The Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr. Tariq Banuri has said that the matter of re-opening of universities will be decided by the government with the advice of health ministry.

While talking to a local Tv Channel, Dr Banuri said that it totally depends on the opinion of health experts whether to re-open universities or continue the shutter. “We have written to the government that they update us on re-opening of universities, but it depends on the opinion of medical experts and on the behavior of the virus”, said the chairman.

He said that the initial date for re-opening universities was July 15 but seeing the prevailing situation and spike in coronavirus cases in the country, we cannot decide unless health expert’s advice to open universities. “It could be July, August, September or October, whenever the government announces, we will inform the universities accordingly”, he said.

He also said that the plan for re-opening campuses has already been shared with the Institutes and varsities.

“We sent a detailed guideline to universities in March, now we have sent the guidelines again regarding the safety requirements in the universities”, he said

He further said that the facemasks, social distancing, and sanitizer dispensers will be mandatory in all the educational institutions. “There can be a regulatory body to make sure the SOPs are followed”, he added

Dr Banuri also rubbishes the news of re-opening of universities on July 7 and said that it is a “Fake news”.