Implementing schools SOPs will be a challenge for Balochistan govt

Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani has said that implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent the spread of coronavirus in primary schools would be a challenge.

“It is difficult to control the situation at the primary level. There are schools in Balochistan where there are only one to two teachers in the entire school. Teaching all the children, providing sanitisers and masks will definitely be a challenge for them,” he said. "Therefore, the biggest burden will fall on the shoulders of primary school teachers.”

Shahwani added that Covid-19 cases declined in July and August but are on the rise in September. “If the cases of coronavirus increase after the reopening of schools then decisions will have to be taken accordingly. The government has trained all the teachers in regards to this while all the facilities will be provided," he said. "The District Education Administration will make periodic visits to schools to assess the situation."

He also said, 10 percent of the total tests for coronavirus were positive in July, while 8 percent were positive in August but the number of cases seems to be increasing in September. “Last week, 17 percent of the total tests were positive.”

The provincial government spokesperson reiterated that they are assessing the situation from different angles and safety of citizens is their top most priority.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2020.