Sindh decides against closing educational institutions amid Omicron spike

The Sindh government on Friday decided to keep educational institutions across the province open amid a spike in Omicron cases, particularly in Karachi where the positivity rate has touched 35 per cent.

The decision was taken by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah during a meeting of the Coronavirus Task Force, said the spokesperson for the CM.

During the meeting, it was decided that classes in educational institutions would continue without any hiccup. It was also decided to strictly enforce SOPs across the province. According to the decision, wearing masks in public places was mandatory and the government has decided to impose fines, equivalent to one day of salary, on government officials for not wearing masks.

The government has also decided to keep a close watch on restaurants and fine establishments operating in violation of the SOPs. The task force will meet again after a few days to review the situation.

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The CM spokesperson said face masks would be mandatory at wedding halls, markets and public places. At weddings, food will be given in lunch boxes, as per the decisions. Only vaccinated individuals will be allowed in markets and it will be mandatory for authorities to check vaccination cards at the entrance of the markets.

The government will further conduct surveys at private and state hospitals to review their capacity. The provincial government also decided to intensify the vaccination campaigns in the entire province and enforce SOPs strictly. 

The people should cooperate with the government and comply with the SOPs to control the current Omicron wave, the government added.