The Punjab government has decided to reopen all government and private schools on Friday (today) after the conclusion of the winter vacations, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In a tweet uploaded on Thursday, Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas said that all the schools that had their winter vacations ended on January 6 will now open January 7.

The minister said he welcomes all the teachers and students who are coming back to the schools.

Murad Raas urged the teachers and students to ensure implementation of the SOPs announced by the government keeping in view the coronavirus pandemic.

https://twitter.com/DrMuradPTI/status/1478968529378549762

A day earlier, the Punjab government had decided not to extend winter vacations, said the Secretary Schools Education.

The schools that have been closed on December 24, 2021 will remain closed until Friday, January 7. Adding the three-day weekend, the schools will officially reopen on Tuesday, January 11 while the students will get online classes on Monday, January 10, 2022 as per the previous practice.

The Punjab schools that observed vacations from January 3 will also reopen as per schedule on January 11.

Earlier, the government pondered to extend the winter vacations till January 13 in wake of a severe wave of cold and ongoing spell of the rainy season.

However, the government decided against the proposal as the current spread of Omicron in the country may again lead to further closure of educational institutes most likely in February when, according to the NCOC estimates, the fifth wave of coronavirus in the country may reach its peak.

Reporter Akmal Soomro