In a bid to curb the spread of pink eye infection, all government and private schools in Punjab have been ordered to remain closed for four days.
The closure period includes the upcoming Eid Milad-ul-Nabi celebration, as well as the ensuing Saturday and Sunday, providing extended break for students.
Schools are expected to reopen on Monday, October 2, 2023.
The announcement came following reports of a growing number of conjunctivitis cases, with the citizens of Bahawalpur in Punjab being the most affected.
In addition to the day off, students up to matriculation classes will undergo screening at school gates, starting Monday.
Those exhibiting signs of the infection will be advised to seek immediate medical attention and will not be allowed to enter the school premises until they are no longer contagious.
During this time, school premises will undergo deep cleaning and sanitization to minimize the risk of transmission.
Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as "pink eye," is a highly contagious eye infection that can easily spread through close contact. It is characterized by redness, itching, and discharge from the eyes.
Given its contagious nature, schools have been identified as potential hotspots for the transmission of the infection.
