Private schools to reopen on June 1 in Balochistan

Balochistan private schools association president claims institutions will follow SOPs

QUETTA: Amid increasing spread of the coronavirus across the province, a key private schools association has announced schools will reopen in the province from June 1.

All Balochistan Progressive Private Schools Association President Muhammad Nawaz Pindrani said on Thursday All Pakistan Private Schools Association and other bodies have announced to reopen schools from June 1.

“All private schools will be reopened after implementing the standard operating procedures (SOPs),” said Pindrani while addressing a meeting of the association on Thursday.

Stressing on the SOPs to be followed, Pindrani said, “The classrooms and bathrooms will be properly cleaned and disinfected and the seating arrangement will be repositioned to maintain proper distance among the students in order to prevent the spread of the virus.”

The president of the association directed teachers and staff to follow preventive measures and guidelines and immediately leave school if they feel symptoms of the virus after handing over their responsibilities to other staff members.

“The school managements should train teachers on Covid-19 precautionary measures. Besides, adequate amount of soap will be made available at main gate of schools to ensure hygiene of the students,” he added.

Further briefing on the SOPs, Pindrani added the temperature of students would be measured on the entrance and a student would be separated immediately in case his temperature was high. Besides, wearing masks was mandatory for all.

The president was open to discussion with government and devise a joint strategy, if the officials announce reopening of schools. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2020.