Pneumonia surge in Punjab prompts 7-day closure of preschool classes

Additionally, morning assemblies have been prohibited in schools across the province until January 31

In response to the surge in pneumonia cases in Punjab, the caretaker provincial government has declared a 7-day hiatus for nursery and playgroup classes up to class one. Additionally, morning assemblies have been prohibited in schools across Punjab until January 31.

Since the beginning of the year, Punjab has witnessed 36 fatalities among children due to pneumonia, with 8 out of 10 children being treated for pneumonia at the Children's Hospital. The prevalence of viral pneumonia is on the rise, particularly among children, attributed to the increasing cold weather.

It is noteworthy that the 22-day winter break in Punjab, including Lahore, has concluded, and educational activities have resumed in all public and private schools from today.

Addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of GOR 9 on Wednesday, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed that during his visit to the Children's Hospital, he observed that 8 out of every 10 children in the emergency department were grappling with pneumonia. He stated that between January 1 and January 9, 36 children lost their lives to pneumonia, emphasising that most of the victims were very young.

Also read: Punjab schools to remain closed on Friday, Saturday

Naqvi announced the closure of prep and nursery classes until January 19, while classes from one onwards will continue with the exclusion of assemblies until January 31. Advising caution in the chilly mornings, he urged the elderly to regulate their food intake, don warm clothing, and wear masks. Naqvi mandated the use of masks in children's schools.

The chief minister disclosed that the Punjab government is launching an awareness campaign against pneumonia and urged the media to invite pediatric doctors on morning shows to disseminate information. He emphasised the importance of keeping symptomatic children at home and assured that pneumonia management Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) would be released through the media by the evening, with the school department issuing a corresponding notification.

Naqvi asserted that there is no need to shut down schools from class 1 to 10, suggesting that students wear warm clothes instead. He clarified that children would not be permitted to wear knickers in schools, and stressed the importance of jackets and appropriate clothing. He expressed leniency regarding the uniform rule until January 31, prioritising the necessity for children to remain in warm clothing during this period.

Naqvi acknowledged the annual recurrence of pneumonia and assured that with collective effort from the health department and schools, it can be controlled. A committee has been established to provide daily feedback on pneumonia-related matters, he added.