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Punjab Government Reopens Schools Amid Improved Air Quality
Schools in Punjab to reopen from November 20 as air quality improves. Restrictions on outdoor activities and mask mandate remain in place.
ND
by News Desk
2024-11-19
Punjab Government Reopens Schools Amid Improved Air Quality

The Punjab government announced on Tuesday that all schools across the province, including those in Lahore and Multan, will reopen from November 20, following an improvement in air quality.

This decision comes after the smog situation, which was declared a "calamity" in Punjab last month, showed signs of easing. The situation had worsened on November 6, prompting the government to close educational institutions in 18 districts from November 7 to 17. A province-wide school closure was later extended until November 24.

Meteorologists have forecast further improvement in smog intensity due to a change in wind direction, which helped bring Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) out of the hazardous category on Sunday for the first time in 12 days.

In a notification issued by the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it was confirmed that the air quality had improved significantly due to rain in the upper parts of the province and changes in wind direction. As a result, all educational institutions across the province, including in Lahore and Multan, were authorized to reopen with effect from November 20.

Safety Guidelines and Restrictions

The notification also outlined several precautions and restrictions. Schools will not open before 8:45 am, and masks will be mandatory for both students and staff. Furthermore, outdoor sports and co-curricular activities will remain banned until further notice.

To ease traffic congestion, the EPA has directed schools to implement staggered class dismissal times.

The Punjab Higher Education Department also issued a separate notification for universities and colleges, directing all public and private institutions to reopen in compliance with the restrictions set forth by the EPA. Vice chancellors and college directors have been instructed to ensure adherence to these guidelines.Top of FormBottom of Form
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Lahore

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Smog

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