The Punjab government has closed all government and private schools, colleges and universities in the state till March 31 as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus.
However, all exams in schools will be held according to schedule, Punjab School Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla announced on Friday.
“Holidays have been declared in all government and private schools in the state till March 31 as a precautionary measure,” Mr. Singla said in a statement here.
Ordered closing down of all schools & colleges till Mar 31 in the light of #Covid19. Ongoing school examinations will, however, continue. State machinery is working round the clock to prevent an outbreak. Urge all to avoid crowding at public places & take necessary precautions.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 13, 2020
The state government has formed a seven-member group of ministers to daily review the situation triggered by the coronavirus scare. Hospitals are on high alert, with specialized arrangements to tackle any exigency arising out of the crisis.
So far, one person who had returned from Italy had tested positive for coronavirus in Punjab.
The Health Ministry on Friday put the number of coronavirus cases in the country at 75, which includes a 76-year-old man from Kalaburagi in Karnataka who became the country’s first coronavirus fatality.