Pakistan extends school closures amid surging virus cases

Pakistan, on Wednesday, announced it would keep educational institutions closed for two more weeks in densely populated areas to bring down steadily rising coronavirus (COVID-19) infections.

“All educational institutions will remain closed until April 11 in all districts where positivity and infection rate is high,’’ Education Minister, Shafqat Mahmood, announced.

“The health of students, teachers and staff is our primary consideration.’’

A two-week shutdown was initially announced on March 15.

Virus hotspots were put under lockdown, wearing a face mask was made mandatory, schools were shut, markets and parks closed early.

Later, flights from 12 countries including Brazil were also suspended.

The decision was taken by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the body responsible for the country’s response to the pandemic.

The country has reported more than 3,000 daily cases for a straight week.

On Wednesday, 3,301 new infections and 30 virus-related deaths were reported by the Health Ministry.

Pakistan has so far recorded 637,042 cases and 13,965 deaths.

In February, the coronavirus vaccination campaign started by inoculating front-line health workers, and now people aged 60 and above are being vaccinated.

Pakistan is using the Sinopharm vaccine, which it received as a gift from China.

On Wednesday, a health official announced additional purchase deals for Sinopharm and the shot by Chinese firm CanSino.