Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab announced closure of all private and government educational institutions across the province from Thursday to Sunday due to Pinkeye infection (conjunctivitis) outbreak.
Interim Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Wednesday announced that all schools in Punjab, including Lahore, will remain closed from tomorrow (September 28) till 1st October Sunday.
This proactive measure is has been adopted in the wake of spread of Pink Eye Infection/ Conjunctivitis among school kids, to prevent the further spread of the highly contagious eye infection among students.
According to a notification of holidays issued by the Punjab CM Office, “All schools shall remain open from Monday 2-10-2023 and shall observe (Standard Operating Procedures) SOPs issued by the department to curb the spread of Pink Eye Infection/ Conjunctivitis.”
The interim chief minister summoned the secretary of schools immediately and directed that children suffering from the infection should not be allowed to attend school.
The outbreak of pinkeye (conjunctivitis) continues to badly affect Punjab, with state-run hospitals across the province reporting 500-600 patients, with Lahore topping the list among other districts.
The cases are surging alarmingly, as evidenced by emerging reports indicating that the infection is affecting people of all age groups.
A large number of school-going children have been complaining of eye infections, primarily as schools were not adhering to precautions.
Pinkeye is a common and self-limiting condition causing redness, itching, and discharge of pus or water from the eyes. It affects the lining of the eyelid and eyeball, that it is treatable at any stage.
The infection can easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, close contact with infected people, and even through conversations. Patients are advised to observe extreme precautionary measures especially personal hygiene. Patient should wear black glasses, separate their bedding and utensils immediately.
CM Naqvi said SOPs should be strictly implemented from Monday in all educational institutions across the province under which teachers will inspect the eyes of every child at the school entrance.