Sindh health minister opposes reopening primary schools

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho on Wednesday opposed the decision to reopen primary schools until the pandemic was over, claiming that it may lead to a second or third wave of the virus in the country.

In a video message, the provincial health minister said that children were vulnerable and unable to maintain social distancing with their peers, adding that this could increase the risk of Covid-19 spreading in those institutions.

Pointing out that private schools were protesting to reopen institutions, Pechuho reiterated that it may be dangerous for younger students to return to school, adding that children should stay at home and learn via online classes.

"While older students are capable of following standard operating procedures (SOPs), including the use of face masks and maintaining social distance, younger children tend to hug each other, stand close together while talking and holding hands while playing," she explained, adding that teachers would be unable to manage enforcement of SOPs for these young children during the entire school day.

"Socialisation is part of human nature. We are social creatures and it is in our nature to be close to each other," she added.

ASPSCA lambasts Pechuho

In response, the All Sindh Private Schools and Colleges Association (ASPSCA) condemned the health minister’s statement.

“The minister’s job is to provide consultation in meetings, rather than interfering and making such decisions,” claimed ASPSCA chairperson Haider Ali. “Policies are being made [to allow] the reopening of educational institutions in Punjab, but the Sindh health minister is being hopeless.”

Pointing out that coronavirus cases were declining in the country, ASPSCA leaders stated that the matter of reopening educational institutions was to be dealt with by the federal government’s National Coordination Committee.

They added that Pechuho should assist in reopening educational institutions by reviewing the safety arrangements rather than interfering in the matter.

Earlier, on August 18, Sindh Education and Labour Minister Saeed Ghani said the final decision to reopen educational institutions would be taken at the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC) meeting on September 15.

"We want the federal education minister and all the provincial education ministers to meet on September 7 so that we have all preparations [to reopen schools] in place," he stated, adding, "The decision to close educational institutions was a difficult one, but time has proved that this was the correct decision."

Ghani further said that all resources should be utilised to ensure the complete implementation of SOPs to curb any resurgence of Covid-19 in all educational institutions.

"We have to focus on reopening educational institutions on September 15 and ensure the completion of all precautionary measures, including disinfectant spraying, before that date," he insisted.