x

Pakistan shuts schools as case numbers rise among children

 Pakistani authorities announced on Tuesday that most schools would remain closed for another three weeks as thousands of children were infected with the virus amid a third of wave of cases.

Students on grades one to eight were to remain at home until April 28, before the situation was reviewed again, Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood said in Islamabad.

Classes for grades nine to 12 were to resume on a staggered basis in two weeks, the minister said.

The country reported more than 100 deaths in the past 24 hours on Monday, the highest figure so far during the latest wave of infections.

Fears were rising in Pakistan as more than 10,000 children have caught the deadly virus, health officials said.

The country was heading towards a grim milestone of 15,000 deaths since the outbreak began.

Last month, Pakistan closed all schools when the positivity rate of those tested for the Coronavirus reached 10 per cent.

Levels had slightly improved on Monday when just over 8 per cent of tests were positive.

Officials nonetheless called the situation alarming.

The slow rollout of vaccine also hindering the government’s attempts to improve the situation, Pakistan’s leading medic Faisal Sultan said.

After supplies were delayed under the global distribution system, Pakistan relied on political ally China for vaccine.

However, only around 1 million people have received their first jab so far, due to the sluggish rollout.

The Pakistan Medical Association, the country’s largest body of health care professionals, has advised the government against reopening schools until the current wave of cases subsides.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Tinubu Appoints Ismael Ahmed as Executive Chairman of Presidential CNG Initiative

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Barrister Ismael Ahmed...

Alleged ₦80.2bn Fraud: EFCC Kicks as Yahaya Bello Seeks Medical Travel Abroad

By Gabriel Udeh The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,...

Why we’re raising concerns over alleged contract scam at NNPCL – Coalition

President Bola Tinubu has been asked to terminate the...

Tinubu Assures Abuja Residents, No More ” One Chance” Attacks

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju President Bola Tinubu has assured Abuja residents...

INEC Sets August 16 for Bye-Elections in 12 States, Resumes Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced August...

Tinubu Hosts Fubara, Wike, Rivers Lawmakers in Fresh Push for Peace

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened a closed-door meeting...

Kaduna Govt, SMEDAN Seal N1 Billion Partnership to Support MSMEs

The Kaduna State Government has signed a ₦1 billion...

President Tinubu Appoints Grace Henry as First Female Chair of Nigerian Legion

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Grace Henry, a 60-year-old...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img