THE PTI Government, led by Prime Minister Imran Khan, is, no doubt, opposed to Covid-19 related restrictions but the ground situation is forcing the authorities to move closer to total lockdown of the country. Following Azad Kashmir, which announced a territory-wide lockdown for fifteen days following a surge in infection cases, the federal and provincial governments on Monday reached a consensus on closing of all educational institutions for in-person learning from tomorrow (26 November). All institutions will stay closed from December 15 to January 10 on account of winter vacation and resume classes on 11 January.
Though the plan envisages the start of virtual learning in universities, colleges, schools, seminaries and tuition centres from 26 November to 24 December but practical difficulties make it almost impossible to do so. Private schools and colleges are opposed to campus closure because of obvious reasons of financial losses but the decision has been taken in view of dramatic surge in cases that threaten the life of students. The level of the danger can be gauged by the fact that hospitalization due to Covid-19 in the country has doubled in the last two weeks while the positivity ratio had increased to 7.46%. Earlier, many educational institutions were closed when tests found an increase in infection among their students. It has been stated that further decisions on the issue of opening or otherwise of the educational institutions would be taken after assessing the ground situation in January but there are apprehensions that normalization might take longer course. This is evident from the pattern of spread of the infection and its recurrence in other parts of the globe as well and therefore, the only hope is universal immunization of the population. Several countries and companies have announced preparation of effective vaccines but governments have their own priorities. The Government of Pakistan has acted wisely and allocated a budget for procurement of vaccine but it will take some time as countries are reluctant to provide vaccine to others before meeting their own domestic requirements. Already, there are reports that the United States has declined to oblige a request of the Pakistan Government for the purpose. And even if the country succeeds in procuring vaccine the first phase would cover only ten million people including frontline health staff and senior citizens above 65, who are more vulnerable to disease. As there are dim prospects of providing cover to 100% population in near future, we must plan to ensure continuation of studies through distance learning by all educational institutions and this would require massive campaign to upgrade connectivity in all parts of country and aggressive training of teachers as at moment street and mohalla level schools simply lack capability for imparting virtual education.
