The Punjab School Education Department issued a notification on Saturday allowing an extension of two weeks in holding classes with staggered attendance (50 percent students each day), reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The extension in staggered attendance decision from class one to six for a period of two weeks i.e. February 15.

The School Education Department further said that the students from class seven to 12 will remain on the previous schedule meaning their attendance with by 100 percent.

The notification was issued by Punjab School Education Department secretary.

On Friday, Punjab Education Minister Dr Murad Raas also informed that the extension of two weeks was only for schools of Lahore and Rawalpindi.

https://twitter.com/DrMuradPTI/status/1487037212009152513

Two days ago, National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had decided to extend curbs on schools until mid-February amid the surge in Covid19 cases.

In the cities, where the positivity rate of the virus is less than 10 percent, the schools will remain open. Schools will be opened for the vaccinated students with age group of more than 12 years old.

However, in the cities where the percentage of Covid-19 cases is over 10 percent, students will be allowed in schools on alternative days. Half of the students with the age group of less than 12 will be allowed in schools each day.

Moreover, in cities with coronavirus cases of more than 10 percent, all students will be allowed in schools with an age of more than 12 years old.

Educational institutions will have to take all the possible steps to ensure the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Reporter Junaid Riaz