Prep classes in schools suspended for a week

Pneumonia risk mars reopening after winter break

LAHORE:

Due to the extreme cold weather in Punjab, the provincial government has extended by a week the winter vacations for playgroup to Class I in the schools because of harsh weather and health risks.

However, the schools will remain open for the higher classes in accordance with a new timetable issued by the authorities. On the other hand, on the first day after the winter vacations, low attendance of the students was recorded due to the cold weather. A large number of children were reportedly suffering from diseases caused by the cold weather.

The extreme cold weather and proliferation of diseases, including pneumonia, fever, flu and chest infection among young students forced the Punjab government to extend for seven more days the winter holidays for the pre-class to Cass I students in the public and private sector schools.

The decision was taken after the first day following the reopening of schools, in view of reports regarding health risks to young children due to the harsh cold weather conditions and low attendance in the classes. The schools across Punjab opened on Wednesday after three-week winter vacations.

According to Punjab Teachers Union Secretary General Rana Liaqat Ali, around 40 per cent students were absent on first day of school after the vacations.

Health experts say lack of rainfall has turned the weather harsh with a spike in diseases caused by smog and fog. Several big cities of the province are experiencing a long spell of fog.

Citing inadequate infrastructure, school administrators had been asking the Punjab government to take steps to provide facilities to protect the children from the cold weather.

"Attendance was low in the schools and the teachers also faced difficulties in continuing the classes for little kids in the prevailing conditions. We have no facilities of heating in the classrooms and the reason is simply lack of funds,” Rana Liaqat said while speaking to The Express Tribune.

He urged the government to release funds to the schools to purchase heaters and also make adequate arrangements in the rural areas.

“We also don not have the facilities for taking care of students feeling unwell and it would be better for them to stay home,” he added.

The parents also faced hardship in dropping their children at schools in the morning, especially in the remote districts.

"Thousands of students go to schools on local buses, while a majority of them travel on motorbikes. In this cold season the critical issue is the lack of facilities in the government schools,” said a schoolteacher in Narowal district, Qamer Khan.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said while speaking to the media that a ban had also been imposed on morning assemblies throughout the ongoing month.

He said there was an alarming situation at the Children's Hospital, where a number of kids had succumbed to pneumonia since January 1.

Naqvi likened the spread of pneumonia to the coronavirus and urged parents to be vigilant about their children's diet and health. He announced an imminent awareness campaign against pneumonia.

Highlighting the severity of the cold weather, he urged the elderly citizens to prioritise their diet and attire.

Mask-wearing was declared mandatory in schools and specific guidelines issued to combat the disease.

He assured the public that the health and school departments were diligently addressing the situation, with daily feedback from a committee.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2024.